Mr. Olabode Sowunmi, CEO of Cabtree Limited and Chairman of the Hydrogen and New Energy Committee of the Nigerian Gas Association, has issued an appeal to Nigerians to recognise energy theft as not only an anti-social but also a criminal offence.
He made this call during his presentation on the Nairametrics energy industry outlook on harnessing Nigeria’s energy sector to supercharge our economic growth.
Sowunmi highlighted the necessity of having scapegoats for energy theft, emphasising that lasting solutions to the challenges in the power sector will only materialise through consistent adherence to proper protocols over an extended period.
According to Sowunmi, there is an imperative for a shift in societal mindset. He pointed out the troubling trend where individuals who engage in power theft are sometimes celebrated rather than reprimanded.
He reiterated that energy theft is both anti-social and criminal, urging Nigerians to adopt a culture of accountability and hold perpetrators responsible for their actions.
Sowunmi stressed the critical importance of Nigerians understanding the true cost of electricity.
“There must be knowledge of the right pricing of power. Whether it is affordable is different. The affordability is another topic, but we can’t see something of N200 and say it is too expensive when it is the right price.”
“After obtaining the right prices, we can now discuss how citizens can afford it.”