The Federal Government has declared that it would no longer condone substandard electrical installations and the use of poor materials on the power network.
It also warned that it would prosecute power equipment contractors who use substandard materials, stressing that no life must be lost due to someone’s negligence or poor judgement.
The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, made this known during the revalidation/certification programme for electrical installation contractors organised by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency in Abuja.
He said, “The era of substandard products and the period of ‘managing’ electrical installations are gone for good. With today’s programme of revalidation/certification of electrical installation contractors, Nigerians will no longer accept bad poles. Our people will not accept poor materials and poor workmanship. Nigerians must get value for their hard-earned money.
“I, therefore, wish to state in unequivocal terms that the government will no longer condone substandard electrical installations and use of substandard electrical materials and equipment within our networks. The life of every single Nigerian is important to us.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that our people do not lose their lives and properties due to someone’s negligence and poor judgment. By institutionalising certification as a core component of our power industry, the government is making a definitive statement of its readiness to apply and implement all relevant legal instruments in this regard.”
Fashola, who was represented by the Minister of State, Mustapha Baba-Shehuri, told the contractors that their certification was not a right, but a privilege that was subject to professionalism, competence and good standing.
He said, “It follows, therefore, that the certificate can be withdrawn where the holder is adjudged to be incompetent or negligent. In addition to having their certificates withdrawn, such professionals will also be reported to their professional institutes for necessary sanctions to be applied.
