From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Chairman of the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), Engr. Ibrahim Abdwaaris, has praised the establishment of Special Court to tackle electricity theft across the state.
Abdwaaris stressed the need for collaboration with relevant agencies in combating electricity theft and related offenses in the state.
The KERC Boss gave the commendation while speaking at a town hall meeting organized by the Kogi Electricity Distribution Limited (KEDL) at Edge Drive Hotels in Lokoja on Thursday.
Abdwaaris described the sensitization of customers and stakeholders on the new legal framework established by the Kogi State Government as a welcome development.
The framework according to him, includes, the establishment of an Electricity Theft Task Force and a Special Court to protect investments in the emerging state electricity market.
He urged Kogi Electricity Distribution limited to work closely with the Task Force and the Special Court to ensure the initiative’s effectiveness.
While emphasizing the need to tackle electricity theft, the KERC Chairman/CEO cautioned against unwholesome market practices that undermine customer trust and confidence.
He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to protecting customer rights and ensuring fairness, accountability, and balance between investor interests and consumer needs.
He called on stakeholders, including KEDL, customers, community leaders, and government agencies, to join forces in building a transparent, efficient, and sustainable electricity market in Kogi State.
By working together, the KERC Chairman/CEO said, they can eradicate electricity theft, protect investments, and improve electricity services for the benefit of the state’s citizens and economic development.
In his welcome address the Managing Director of Kogi Electricity Distribution Limited KEDL), Engr Olaseni Agunpopo disclosed that Kogi State Government, through the State’s Electricity RegulatoryCommission (KERC), has taken a bold and commendable step with the establishment of a Special Task Force on Energy Theft and Related Offences.
According to him “This initiative underscores the Commission’s unwavering commitment to sanitizing the electricity sector, promoting transparency, and safeguarding the integrity of power distribution across the State.
“By creating this Task Force, the Commission has demonstrated proactive leadership and a deep understanding of the critical role electricity plays in economic growth and social development. The Task Force will serve as a coordinated mechanism to identify, investigate, and prosecute cases of energy theft and related offences. It will also work closely with security agencies, the
“This decisive move not only reflects the Commission’s desire to protect the investments made by KEDL but also reinforces its commitment to ensuring that law-abiding customers are not unfairly penalized by the actions of a few who engage in theft and sabotage. Ultimately, it lays the foundation for a more efficient, reliable, and equitable electricity distribution system that will benefit all residents of Kogi State”
The objectives of this initiative he said would go a long way in protecting honest customers who dutifully pay their bills, promoting fairness, discipline, and accountability in electricity usage, and improving service delivery by channelling saved resources into infrastructure and customer satisfaction.
“However, this fight is not for KEDL or the Regulator alone. It requires the collaboration of all stakeholders — government, communities, traditional leaders, security agencies, and every citizen who values progress and integrity. Together, we must send a clear and unified message: energy theft is a crime, and it will no longer be tolerated” he emphasized
