In a move to end energy theft in various forms, Nigeria’s leading utility firm, The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) embarks on a network-wide awareness campaign in a move to end energy theft in various forms.

The initiative comes as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to reduce technical, commercial losses and improve the reliability of power supply to its customers.

Energy theft, which includes meter bypass and tampering, illegal connections, and tampering with electrical infrastructure, has been identified as a significant challenge facing Nigeria’s power sector.

EKEDC estimated that these unlawful activities often result in substantial revenue loss annually, ultimately affecting the company’s ability to invest in network improvements and quality service to paying customers. Energy theft also results in severe safety hazards by illegal channels to utilise electricity.

The acting Chief Executive Officer of EKEDC, Mrs. Rekhiat Momoh, lead the appeal to customers to support the organisation’s move to eradicate energy theft and other associated illegal activities hindering its growth.

She said: “Energy theft is a menace that we need to eliminate in our network and the power sector.  We lose billions annually to it and it affects our ability to invest in network expansion and infrastructure upgrade required to bring the desired stable power supply.”
   
She further advocated against vandalism of the firm’s installations, appealing to customers, communities and other stakeholders to get involved in safeguarding the equipment meant for public use.

Meanwhile, the Webb Fontaine boss, while delivering a paper on Port Community System (PCS) recently in Lagos, commended President Bola Tinubu’s moves to establish a National Single Window (NSW), saying it was a step that would benefit the country in many areas.

He added that the PCS could run under a single window conveniently targeting port users primarily to achieve better inclusion of all stakeholders in the environment.