Power Theft Costs Sector N111bn in 12 Years – GenCos

Power generation companies (GenCos) have urged the Federal Government and the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) to name, disconnect, and prosecute firms and individuals caught stealing electricity along the Ikorodu–Sagamu transmission corridor.

The call followed revelations by NISO that some large customers were illegally consuming up to 180 megawatts (MW) of grid electricity in Lagos and Ogun states through meter bypass and manipulation.

NISO Managing Director Abdu Mohammed Bello said the theft was “unimaginable” and posed a major threat to grid stability and market revenues.

He explained that investigations uncovered widespread abuses among bulk consumers connected to Ikeja and Ibadan DisCos.

GenCos’ CEO Joy Ogaji valued the stolen electricity at N9.7bn monthly and N111bn over 12 years, warning that investors were struggling while “some people are living large at our expense.”

She insisted offenders must be blacklisted, prosecuted, and compelled to refund stolen funds with interest.

Stakeholders reacted strongly, saying the matter “must not be swept under the carpet.”

Experts argued that organised theft by bulk consumers is far more damaging than meter bypasses by households, and urged regulators to focus on “the big thieves.”

To curb losses, NISO has ordered stricter compliance with off-take rules, recalibration of meters, and compulsory installation of check meters and transformers at all interface points.

Bello warned that offenders would face back-billing, penalties, disconnection, or suspension from the market.

He added that NISO would set up a joint task force with TCN and security agencies to monitor the corridor and enforce compliance, using the Ikorodu–Sagamu line as a pilot for a nationwide crackdown.

Industry experts say tackling electricity theft is critical to restoring liquidity in Nigeria’s power sector, where unpaid consumption continues to undermine investment and service delivery.