EFCC blocks fake transmission lines, stopping a contractor from using substandard materials and safeguarding Nigeria’s power infrastructure

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed how it intervened in 2024 to prevent a contractor from executing a power project using fake and substandard transmission lines.

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EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed the intervention during a meeting with Olusegun Adesayo, Managing Director and CEO of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.

Olukoyede explained that the contractor had already been mobilised by the Ministry of Power before EFCC investigations uncovered the importation of counterfeit transmission materials.

The commission subsequently wrote to the ministry recommending the contractor be blacklisted.

“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 stated.

The EFCC chairman warned that using substandard lines could have endangered lives and critical infrastructure nationwide.

He assured NEMSA of the commission’s readiness to collaborate on enforcing compliance and strengthening accountability within the electricity sector.

Olusegun Adesayo of NEMSA emphasised the need for cooperation to guarantee safety, reliability, and quality of electrical materials across Nigeria.

He noted that joint intelligence sharing and investigation into procurement irregularities would enhance regulatory oversight.

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The EFCC’s action underscores its expanded mandate, which now covers economic sabotage in addition to financial crimes, helping avert potential disasters and safeguard national power assets.