According to The Guardian on May 25, 2026, energy expert Dr. Chinedu Okafor has identified rampant energy theft and obsolete infrastructure as the primary factors worsening Nigeria’s long-standing electricity crisis.
Speaking at a power sector stakeholders’ forum in Lagos, Dr. Okafor stated that despite incremental improvements in generation capacity, the power industry continues to suffer massive commercial losses due to illegal connections, meter bypassing, and vandalism of infrastructure. He noted that energy theft alone accounts for a significant percentage of revenue loss for distribution companies, making it difficult for them to invest in maintenance and upgrades.
The expert also pointed out that many transmission lines, substations, and distribution equipment are decades old and highly prone to frequent failures, especially during the rainy season. These technical limitations, he said, result in high losses during transmission and poor quality of supply to consumers.
Dr. Okafor called for urgent and decisive action, including the deployment of smart meters, stricter enforcement against electricity theft, and accelerated rehabilitation of transmission and distribution infrastructure. He stressed that tariff increases without addressing these core issues will not deliver the desired results.
This assessment comes as many parts of the country continue to experience unstable power supply despite recent government reforms. While some urban areas have recorded marginal improvements, rural communities and several states still suffer from prolonged outages.
Stakeholders at the forum echoed Dr. Okafor’s concerns, urging the Federal Government and distribution companies to prioritise infrastructure modernisation and anti-theft measures. They also called for stronger collaboration between security agencies and communities to protect power assets from vandalism.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has in recent weeks reported fewer grid collapses, but experts believe sustained investment and better maintenance culture are still needed for long-term stability.
This latest expert opinion highlights the complex challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector and the need for a comprehensive strategy that tackles both technical and commercial losses. As the government continues its energy transition efforts, addressing energy theft and upgrading obsolete infrastructure remain critical to achieving reliable electricity supply for citizens and businesses.
Dr. Okafor urged all stakeholders — government, regulators, operators, and consumers — to work together towards a more sustainable and efficient power industry in 2026 and beyond.
The forum ended with a renewed call for increased funding and policy consistency to overcome the deep-rooted problems plaguing the sector.
SOURCE: NaijaDailyPulse
