Corruption within Nigeria’s power sector is at the heart of the country’s ongoing electricity grid collapses and chronic power supply issues, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
On November 12, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede shared disturbing insights during a visit by the House Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Olukoyede revealed that contractors awarded power supply contracts often engage in corrupt practices by using substandard materials, ultimately leading to widespread equipment failures and the recurrent collapse of the national electricity grid. He cited specific instances where contractors replaced high-quality materials, such as using 5.0 gauge cables instead of the required 9.0 gauge cables, which contributed to the frequent breakdowns of power infrastructure.
“Every time you see the system tripping off, getting burnt, and failing, it’s part of the problem,” Olukoyede said, expressing frustration over the deep-rooted corruption that has long hindered the sector’s development.
The EFCC Chairman’s comments shed light on the severe impact of these corrupt practices. The use of inferior materials and equipment in power projects has led to the failure of critical infrastructure, exacerbating Nigeria’s electricity challenges.
Olukoyede lamented that the systemic corruption within the sector has created an environment where contractors prioritize profit over quality, leaving Nigerians to bear the brunt of the consequences.
“If you see some of the investigations we are carrying out within the power sector, you will shed tears,” he said, emphasising that these malpractices have rendered the power sector inefficient, contributing to Nigeria’s inability to provide reliable and affordable electricity.
In addition to its investigation into power sector corruption, the EFCC also uncovered troubling statistics regarding Nigeria’s capital project execution. Over the past 15 to 20 years, the country has managed to complete less than 20% of its planned capital projects, a staggering failure that has severely impeded the country’s growth and development.
Olukoyede stressed that this failure to execute key infrastructure projects—particularly in the energy sector—has contributed to Nigeria’s slow progress. “If we don’t address these issues, how can we expect to grow as a nation?” he asked, underscoring the urgent need for better management of capital projects to foster national development.
The EFCC Chairman also outlined the commission’s goals for the year, emphasising the need for greater collaboration with the National Assembly and other stakeholders to ensure that at least 50% of capital projects planned for 2024 are successfully implemented.
He highlighted that improving capital project execution is critical to Nigeria’s development, particularly in the energy sector.
The visit by the House Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes also saw Chairman Obinna Onwusibe calling for closer cooperation between the EFCC and the judiciary to expedite the trial of suspects involved in corrupt practices. Onwusibe pointed to the overcrowded correctional facilities in Lagos, particularly in Kirikiri, where many suspects have been awaiting trial for over a year.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Onwusibe said, urging the EFCC, the Attorney General’s office, and the judiciary to work together to ensure swift and fair trials for those accused of corruption.
Onwusibe also raised concerns about the perception that the EFCC is sometimes used for political purposes, urging the commission to ensure greater transparency and accountability in its operations to avoid accusations of political bias.
“The negative perception that the EFCC is being used to settle political scores must be corrected,” he stressed.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Olukoyede expressed hope that the EFCC’s investigations and collaboration with other arms of government could drive systemic change in the power sector.
By addressing the corruption and inefficiencies plaguing capital projects, he believes Nigeria can achieve meaningful progress in improving critical infrastructure, including the power sector, and ultimately foster greater economic growth.
“We need to address the lack of implementation of capital projects,” Olukoyede concluded.
“If we can tackle that effectively, we will make progress as a nation. This is a fight we cannot afford to lose.”
As the EFCC continues its investigations into corruption in the power sector, including practices that have contributed to the frequent grid collapses, there is growing optimism that these efforts may lead to a more reliable electricity supply for Nigerians—and possibly serve as a model for addressing corruption in other critical sectors of the economy.
