IBEDC gets legislative backing as National Assembly moves against energy theft

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The National Assembly’s House Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation has stepped up efforts to curb rising cases of energy theft in Nigeria, pledging stronger legislative backing for the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and other electricity distribution companies (DisCos).

During an oversight visit to IBEDC in Ibadan, committee chairman Hon. Hamisu Ibrahim said energy theft remains a major obstacle to efficient power distribution. He noted that the committee is working on a robust legal framework with stricter penalties, enhanced enforcement, and improved protection of electricity infrastructure.

Hon. Ibrahim also assured that the committee will assist DisCos in recovering outstanding debts owed by federal and state ministries, departments, agencies, and local governments. “We will stand firm to ensure these debts are recovered,” he said, stressing the importance of liquidity for the sector.

IBEDC managing director/CEO, Engr. Francis Agoha, highlighted the impact of energy theft and government arrears on the company’s operations. He explained that these challenges constrain liquidity and limit the company’s ability to expand and maintain its distribution network.

Agoha briefed the committee on IBEDC’s achievements since privatisation in 2013, including network expansion, metering, safety improvements, and enhanced customer service delivery. He also outlined the company’s strategic plans for future growth.

The committee inspected key distribution infrastructure and engaged with IBEDC management to assess operational challenges and compliance with regulatory standards. The visit forms part of the legislature’s ongoing mandate to evaluate power sector performance since privatisation.

Hon. Ibrahim reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to working closely with DisCos—especially IBEDC—to tackle energy theft and other operational challenges, noting that the proposed bill will safeguard infrastructure investments and improve service delivery nationwide.