The Nigerian government is proposing a new law that would impose the death penalty on anyone who vandalizes power plants or other critical infrastructure. This policy is outlined in a new Power Policy document that is currently being considered by the National Assembly.
Addressing the chief executives of agencies and departments in the power sector, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adekola Adelabu said that the vandals not only frustrate the efforts of the Federal Government in ensuring improved supply of electricity, they are sabotaging the economy, killing the people and dragging the rest of Nigerians backward.
“Capital punishment is not too much because they are also gradually killing the nation. They are killing the economy. They are killing the people,” he said.
According to him, the policy framework will be ready before the end of March.
He also acknowledged that theft and vandalism are major problems for the power industry. To address this, the government is collaborating with National Security Agency (NSA) and other security agencies to protect the transformers.
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The government, he said, is also discussing with the state governments and host communities with a view to protecting the transformers and towers sited in their areas.
He also warned the Chief executives emphasizing the need for improved performance. He stressed accountability, reminding them that their efforts directly impact his position.
“Before any of you would cost me my job, I would make sure that the person loses his job.
“A chain is as strong as its weakest link. We can cut off the weakest link. You know that our jobs are not permanent.”
Adebayo told the chief executives that the government has made available a seed fund of N75 billion to fast-track the provision of meters. The fund, according to him, will increase to N100 billion as time goes on.
