From Dennis Mernyi, Abuja
THE Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola has declared government’s resolve to stamp out sharp and unethical practices which has characterized the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
He said henceforth only certified, suitably qualified electrical installation contractors would be allowed to operate in Nigeria.
“It is now mandatory that only those contractors issued with graded licences by Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) will be allowed to practice in the system,” he said.
The Minister who was represented by the Minister of State, Mustapha Baba Shehuri at the flag-off of the revalidation certification of contractors in Abuja bemoaned the fact that before the creation of NEMSA, the industry had been bedeviled with unprofessionalism and quackery. This, he said, led to spate of electrocutions and untimely deaths.
“Our safety will not be compromised, as government will sanction defaulters as we do not wish to lose lives of our citizens or properties anymore, due to someone’s negligence and poor judgment”.
He further stated that having their certificates or licenses withdrawn would not be enough punishment for culprits as they will face the full wrath of the law.