Senate committee on power, steel development and metallurgy have
recommended a 10 year jail term without an option of fine for anyone
found guilty to have conspired, procured and to hold stolen parts and
components of public power equipment in custody.
The committee asked the Senate to consider and pass an amendment of
the Electric Power Sector Reform Act No. 6,2005 to prohibit theft of
electricity, theft and destruction of electricity supply, infrastructure and
prescribe appropriate penalties for violations, and for other related
matters, 2019.
Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission,NERC had in November
2018 presented a bill to the Senate, seeking seven years jail term for
electricity theft.
The bill is entitled ‘A Bill for an Act to prohibit and prevent electricity
theft, power infrastructure vandalisation and power company protection
2017.
The commission claimed that stealing and sabotage were responsible for
between 30 per cent and 35 per cent energy loss in the country.
