Nigerian Government Amends Electricity Act, Prescribes Life Imprisonment for Cable Thieves

The Nigerian government has officially passed the amended Electricity Act 2023, updated in 2025, introducing stringent penalties for individuals found guilty of vandalizing electricity infrastructure.

Under the new provisions, offenders now face a minimum of 10 years imprisonment or life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.

This legislation is part of a broader effort to combat the rising wave of sabotage in the nation’s power sector. It covers a wide array of infrastructure, including: Power generation plants, Transmission lines and towers, Substations and transformers, Distribution networks, Electricity meters and related equipment

The law applies to both public and private electricity assets, making it clear that tampering with any component essential to the generation, transmission, or distribution of electricity will be met with the full weight of the law.

According to the Act, it reads: “Any person who unlawfully or with intent to destroy, vandalize, damage, or render non functional any electricity infrastructure or assets within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry commits an offence.”

“Any person who commits an offence of vandalism under this Bill shall be liable on conviction where the act of vandalism causes significant disruption to electricity supply endangering life, personal safety, or public order, to imprisonment for a term not less than ten years but not exceeding life imprisonment, without the option of a fine.”

The amended Act introduces stricter penalties for vandalism of power infrastructure, particularly when such acts lead to significant economic loss or extended service disruptions. According to the law, offenders may face a minimum of five years and up to ten years imprisonment, with no option of a fine for severe offenses.

For less severe offenses, the law prescribes a prison term of three to five years, or a fine of not less than ₦3 million, or both fine and imprisonment.

Additionally, the court is granted the authority to order the forfeiture of any tools, vehicles, or equipment used in the commission of the crime. Offenders may also be required to pay compensation for any resulting damage.

These provisions underscore the government’s renewed commitment to safeguarding power infrastructure and promoting a stable electricity supply for Nigerian homes and businesses.