FG Implements Electricity Offences Tribunal, Installs 2.6 Million Meters Nationwide

FG Implements Electricity Offences Tribunal, Installs 2.6 Million Meters Nationwide....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

On Thursday, the Federal Government announced plans to establish an electricity offences tribunal with an integrated appeals process to swiftly handle power-related infractions. This move aims to expedite the resolution of electricity offences across the nation.

In a press briefing held in Abuja, Aliyu Tahir, Managing Director of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), disclosed that over 2.6 million meters have been tested and calibrated to enhance accuracy and reliability in power consumption measurement. This effort is part of NEMSA’s ongoing commitment since its establishment in 2015 to ensure the functionality and safety of electricity meters nationwide.

Tahir highlighted that the agency has inspected and certified 13,154 out of 21,681 electricity installation projects, while monitoring 16,624 electricity networks. Additionally, NEMSA has inspected and certified approximately 4,921 factories, hazardous installations, and public places for electrical safety.

Regarding legislative advancements, Tahir emphasized that the Electricity Act of 2023 has bolstered NEMSA’s authority to enforce regulations in the sector. He underscored the imminent establishment of an electricity offences tribunal, which will empower the agency to prosecute offenders swiftly under the new legislative framework.

“The tribunal will significantly enhance our capacity to address issues like electricity theft promptly,” Tahir stated, noting that NEMSA has engaged with the National Assembly to incorporate this tribunal into the amended Electricity Act.

The initiative comes amid efforts to tackle challenges in metering and ensure accountability in Nigeria’s electricity distribution network, impacting millions of consumers nationwide.