How EFCC Stopped a Contractor from Using Substandard Transmission Lines to Execute Power Contract – Olukoyede
Abuja, Nigeria, March 25, 2026
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has revealed how the Commission intervened in 2024 to stop a contractor mobilized by the Ministry of Power from executing a contract using fake and substandard transmission lines.
Olukoyede made this disclosure in Abuja on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, when the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (MEMSA), Engineer Olusegun Adesayo, paid him a courtesy visit at the Commission’s corporate headquarters.
According to him, the contractor was investigated by the EFCC and found to have imported fake transmission lines that could have posed serious danger to the nation. “In 2024, we had cause to write to the Ministry of Power to blacklist a contractor when we investigated and confirmed that he imported fake and substandard power transmission lines for the execution of a contract given to him,” he said.
He noted that the Commission’s timely intervention saved the country from potential disaster, including possible loss of lives and property.
Olukoyede assured the MEMSA delegation of the EFCC’s readiness to collaborate in improving electricity supply in Nigeria. He emphasized the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that stakeholders in the power sector adhere strictly to established laws and regulations.
“We believe that we can work together to improve electricity supply in Nigeria and to ensure that all key stakeholders in the industry play according to the rules and laws guiding the sector. When we do this, we will see improvements in power supply in Nigeria. Our mandate covers economic sabotage, not only financial crimes,” he stated.
The EFCC chairman also urged MEMSA to pay closer attention to procurement processes and contract-related fraud, assuring that the Commission possesses the expertise needed to support the Agency in these areas.
Earlier in his remarks, Adesayo explained that the visit was aimed at fostering collaboration with the EFCC to strengthen safety standards in the power sector and reinforce MEMSA’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
He highlighted that MEMSA is mandated to enforce technical standards and regulations in the electricity industry to ensure safety, reliability, and quality of electrical installations nationwide.
Adesayo sought the EFCC’s partnership in key areas such as intelligence sharing, procurement monitoring, investigation of substandard electrical materials, contract abuses, regulatory compliance, public sensitization, and capacity building.
He underscored the importance of regulation and enforcement in safeguarding public infrastructure and resources. “We recognize that effective regulation and anti-corruption enforcement are critical. Therefore, we seek a coordinated effort to protect public infrastructure and natural resources. We also seek your guidance in strengthening our internal control mechanisms,” he said.
Adesayo further assured the EFCC chairman of ongoing internal reforms within MEMSA aimed at improving accountability and aligning the Agency with the Federal Government’s anti-corruption agenda.