How EFCC stopped contractor from using substandard power lines

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed how it intervened in 2024 to prevent a contractor from executing a Ministry of Power project using fake and substandard transmission lines, potentially averting a national disaster.

The disclosure was made by EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, during a courtesy visit by the Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (MEMSA), Engineer Olusegun Adesayo, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Olukoyede explained that an investigation by the EFCC revealed that the contractor had imported fake transmission lines for a government contract. The Commission subsequently wrote to the Ministry of Power to blacklist the contractor, ensuring that the substandard materials were not used. “This intervention saved the nation potential disaster and possible loss of lives and valuables,” he said.

The EFCC boss also assured MEMSA of the Commission’s readiness to collaborate to improve electricity supply in Nigeria. “Our mandate covers economic sabotage, not only financial crimes. We can work together to ensure all key stakeholders in the industry follow the rules and laws guiding the sector,” Olukoyede added.

Earlier, Engineer Adesayo emphasized MEMSA’s commitment to safety, transparency, and accountability in the power sector. He said the agency seeks EFCC collaboration in areas including intelligence sharing, procurement oversight, investigation of substandard electrical materials, contract abuses, regulatory compliance, public sensitization, and capacity building.

Adesayo stressed the importance of effective regulation and anti-corruption enforcement in protecting public infrastructure and resources, and assured that MEMSA would continue internal reforms to strengthen probity and align with the federal government’s anti-corruption agenda.

The meeting highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts between EFCC and MEMSA to ensure safety, reliability, and quality in Nigeria’s electricity supply.