Why sabotage persists in power sector – Reps panel

The House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations has identified lack of enforcement of laid down rules and regulations by regulatory agencies as the factor that enables and sustains vandalism, sabotage and other sharp practices bedeviling the nation’s power sector.

Chairman of the committee, Rep Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, stated this during a briefing to present the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry Safety Conference held at the National Assembly on Tuesday.

He lamented that despite efforts by the federal government to address issues of safety in the sector, problems like vandalism, theft, installation of electricity by non-licensed electrical installers, production, marketing and use of sub-standard electrical materials still existed.

Gumi said the situation in the power sector called for concern, especially as regards compliance and enforcement of laws and policies to enhance safety standards and regulations.

The committee chairman further said they would collaborate with all the stakeholders working in the power sector to address the concerns and challenges in the sector.