EFCC blocks substandard power contract, seeks sector reforms
Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, said it stopped a contractor from executing a power project with substandard transmission materials, warning of wider risks to infrastructure and public safety in the electricity sector.
Executive Chairman of the commission, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed that the intervention followed an investigation in 2024 which uncovered the importation of fake transmission lines intended for a federal power contract.
“In 2024, we had cause to write to the Ministry of Power to blacklist a contractor when we investigated and confirmed that he imported fake and substandard power transmission lines for the execution of a contract given to him,” Olukoyede said in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said the intervention prevented what could have resulted in major technical failures and risks to lives and property if the materials had been deployed.
The EFCC boss made the remarks while receiving the Managing Director of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), Olusegun Adesayo, who visited the commission to seek collaboration on enforcement and regulatory compliance in the power sector.
Nigeria’s electricity industry has faced longstanding challenges, including weak infrastructure, poor maintenance and concerns over procurement practices. Experts say the use of substandard equipment has contributed to system failures and unreliable supply in parts of the country.
Olukoyede said the EFCC’s mandate extends beyond financial crimes to include economic sabotage, stressing the need for stricter compliance across the sector.
“We believe that we can work together to improve electricity supply in Nigeria and to ensure that all the key stakeholders in the industry play according to the rules and laws guiding the sector,” he said.
He also urged regulators to strengthen oversight of procurement processes, noting that contract fraud and the use of inferior materials remain key vulnerabilities.
“Our mandate covers economic sabotage, not only financial crimes,” he added.
Adesayo said the visit aimed to deepen cooperation between NEMSA and the EFCC in addressing regulatory breaches and ensuring adherence to technical standards.
He noted that the agency is responsible for enforcing safety and quality standards in electrical installations and materials across the country.
“We recognise that effective regulation and anti-corruption enforcement is very important. We want a coordinated effort to safeguard public infrastructure and resources,” Adesayo said.
He said the agency is seeking collaboration in intelligence sharing, investigation of substandard electrical materials, contract compliance and public awareness.
The NEMSA chief also highlighted ongoing internal reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability within the agency, aligning with broader federal government efforts to strengthen governance in critical sectors.
Stakeholders say closer cooperation between anti-corruption agencies and regulators could help address systemic issues affecting Nigeria’s power sector, particularly in areas of contract execution, quality assurance and infrastructure protection.
The EFCC said it would continue to monitor activities in the sector and support efforts aimed at ensuring reliability, safety and compliance in electricity projects nationwide.