How EFCC Prevented A Contractor from Using Not true Transmission Lines
Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), revealed how the commission interfered in 2024 to stop a contractor from using subpar and fake transmission lines for a power project.
Olukoyede said this on Wednesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the EFCC offices by Olusegun Adesayo, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA).
The EFCC chairman claims that prior to the commission’s investigation revealing the importation of counterfeit gearbox materials, the Ministry of Power had already mobilised the contractor.
According to him, the commission wrote to the ministry suggesting that the contractor be placed on a blacklist as a result of the discovery.
Olukoyede stated, “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.”
He pointed out that what would have had major national repercussions were avoided by the EFCC intervention.
According to Olukoyede, the usage of inferior transmission lines may have put people’s lives and property at risk nationwide. He said that the commission’s intervention protected vital electricity infrastructure and prevented a possible catastrophe.
The NEMSA delegation was reassured by the EFCC chairman that the commission is prepared to work with the organization to improve compliance and accountability in the electrical industry.
He claimed that implementing laws and regulations throughout the sector would help Nigeria’s electricity supply.
“We think we can collaborate to enhance Nigeria’s electricity supply and make sure that all important industry participants follow the laws and regulations governing the sector,” he stated. Olukoyede further stated that economic sabotage is included in the EFCC mandate in addition to financial crimes.
In order to prevent fraud, the head of the EFCC also asked NEMSA to focus more on contract management and procurement procedures. He gave the agency his word that the commission had the knowledge needed to help look into issues relating to contracts and procurement.
Olusegun Adesayo, the Managing Director of NEMSA, had earlier stated that the visit was intended to improve cooperation with the EFCC in guaranteeing safety standards in the electrical sector.
According to Adesayo, the organization is in charge of upholding technical standards and laws in the power industry to ensure the dependability, quality, and safety of electrical products used across the country.
He claims that NEMSA wants to work with the EFCC on issues including exchanging intelligence, looking into subpar electrical materials, investigating irregularities in procurement, abusing contracts, and enforcing regulations.
