The Federal Government is planning to establish a national call centre for electricity complaints, aimed at allowing Nigerians to lodge and resolve power-related issues from across the country.

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed the plan on Wednesday during the commissioning of a 3-megawatt hybrid mini-grid project and a Renewable Energy Workshop and Training Centre at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja.

Tegbe said his office was working on a platform through which electricity complaints could be received and resolved nationwide.

“My office is working on a call centre where electricity complaints across the country can be lodged and resolved.”

According to the minister, the initiative is also expected to create sustainable employment opportunities for young people across Nigeria.

FG plans vandalism reporting channel

Tegbe also announced plans for a dedicated channel through which members of the public can report vandalism of critical electricity infrastructure for immediate action.

He said the government was working with a joint team comprising the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to tackle vandalism of electricity assets nationwide.

The minister urged students at Yakubu Gowon University to report vandalism involving power infrastructure, including transformers and transmission towers.

58,726 students to benefit from mini-grid

The 3MW hybrid mini-grid commissioned at the university includes a solar array and battery storage system.

Tegbe said the project would benefit 58,726 students, while 388 streetlights installed as part of the project would improve campus lighting and security.

He added that reliable electricity would support research, reduce the university’s dependence on diesel generators and ease pressure on its budget.

The project was commissioned under Phase 2 of the Energising Education Programme, while implementation of Phase 3 is ongoing.

The minister said the government expected students and other stakeholders to help protect the infrastructure and ensure its long-term sustainability.