Power Minister inaugurates committee to tackle vandalism, protect electricity infrastructure

By Kelechi Onwujuba 

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has inaugurated a ministerial committee on the prevention of vandalism of power infrastructure as part of efforts to ensure stable and reliable electricity supply across the country.

The committee, comprising security agencies, government institutions and key stakeholders in the power sector, is mandated to develop effective strategies to prevent attacks on electricity infrastructure across the generation, transmission and distribution segments.

The initiative follows persistent cases of vandalism that disrupt electricity supply, increase the cost of repairs and threaten investments in the power sector.

At its inaugural meeting in Abuja, participants deliberated on measures to address the menace and agreed on the need for stronger collaboration among relevant institutions to safeguard critical national assets.

Those in attendance included the Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, Major General Adeyinka A. Famadewa; directors from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA); officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); the Permanent Secretary; and directors from the Federal Ministry of Power and relevant agencies under the ministry.

The committee's activities will be aligned with the critical infrastructure unit of ONSA to strengthen the protection of power facilities and reinforce their recognition as critical national security assets.

During the meeting, participants proposed a range of measures to curb vandalism, including the enforcement of existing laws, prosecution of offenders, deployment of technology to secure critical infrastructure, and increased public sensitisation and advocacy to prevent attacks.

The agencies also outlined their respective responsibilities and pledged to work collectively towards ending the destruction and theft of power infrastructure.

The committee is expected to reconvene next week to assess progress and review the implementation of agreed measures.

Successful implementation of the proposed strategies is expected to reduce infrastructure-related power outages, improve electricity supply reliability and protect public and private investments in the sector.