Nigeria has been urged to create Energy Theft Register as part of efforts in dealing with the rampant power theft in the country.

The Executive Director of PowerUp Nigeria, Adetayo Adegbemle, who made the proposal, believes the initiative would help to minimise electricity theft in Africa’s most populous country.

In an opinion piece he shared with energynewafrica.com, Mr Adetayo Adegbemle said the Energy Theft Register should capture the names of offenders, mode/type of energy theft and actions that were taken.

“Energy theft is a pandemic to the power sector, with millions in losses recorded every year.

“The interesting part of it all is the fact that culprits can be found in every facet and cadres of the society,” he said.

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He said the initiative would bring benefit to the power sector, explaining that “An Energy Theft Registry easily points out repeated offender and determines the weight of discipline/fine they receive on repeated offence.”

He added that the Energy Theft Registry would limit offenders to some social services and benefits from the community.

He said: “For instance, you may not be allowed to hold some position of responsibility in the society, or even contest for elections.”

He continued that the stigma of being on an Energy Theft Registry may deter thievery.

Source: https://energynewsafrica.com