Ministerial committee recommends stricter enforcement of laws, deployment of technology to protect power assets
By Segun-Ogundeyi Fiyinfoluwa
ABUJA — The Federal Government has intensified efforts to tackle the persistent vandalism of electricity infrastructure across the country, with a ministerial committee recommending stricter enforcement of existing laws and the deployment of technology to safeguard critical power assets.
The recommendations followed the inaugural meeting of a ministerial committee convened by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, to develop strategies for preventing attacks on electricity infrastructure across the generation, transmission and distribution segments of the power sector.
The committee also advocated increased public sensitisation and advocacy to discourage vandalism before incidents occur, stressing the need for coordinated action among relevant government agencies and security institutions.
According to a statement by Mathew Ibiyemi, media consultant to the Minister of Power, the committee was established in response to recurring attacks on electricity infrastructure, which have continued to disrupt power supply, increase repair costs and undermine investments in the sector.
The committee is also expected to define the responsibilities of participating institutions and establish a coordinated framework for delivering a lasting solution to the problem.
SECURITY AGENCIES TO COLLABORATE
The inaugural meeting brought together the Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, Major General Adeyinka A. Famadewa; directors from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA); officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); the Permanent Secretary; and directors from the Ministry of Power and relevant agencies.
The committee’s activities will be aligned with the critical infrastructure unit of the Office of the National Security Adviser, reinforcing the Federal Government’s position that electricity infrastructure protection should be treated as a national security priority.
The initiative is expected to strengthen collaboration among security agencies, improve intelligence sharing and enhance the monitoring of vulnerable power installations across the country.
VANDALISM THREATENS POWER SUPPLY
Vandalism of electricity infrastructure remains a major challenge for Nigeria’s power sector, with attacks on transmission towers, cables and other critical facilities capable of causing prolonged outages and imposing additional financial burdens on electricity operators.
Beyond disrupting electricity supply to homes and businesses, such incidents can affect industrial activities, public services and economic productivity.
The government believes that stronger law enforcement, supported by technological monitoring and public awareness, will help deter offenders and reduce the frequency of attacks.
COMMITTEE TO REVIEW PROGRESS
The committee is expected to reconvene to assess progress on the implementation of its recommendations and evaluate the contributions of participating institutions.
The ministry expressed hope that effective implementation would lead to fewer power outages caused by attacks on infrastructure, more dependable electricity supply and stronger protection for public and private investments in the sector.
The latest intervention forms part of broader efforts to address longstanding challenges in Nigeria’s electricity industry and improve the reliability of power supply for consumers.
Source: Vanguard News, October 12, 2026.
