Social context of energy theft among electricity consumers in Lagos and Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Energy theft is among the dominant problems confronting the Nigerian electricity sector. Therefore, this study examined the factors underlying the perpetration of this illegal act among electricity consumers in Lagos and Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. Rational choice perspective and situational crime prevention perspective were employed as theoretical guide. Data were generated using in-depth interview and key-informant interview methods. Snowball sampling was utilised for the selection of 59 electricity consumers engaging in energy theft, while nine officials of two electricity distribution companies were purposively chosen. Findings indicated that electricity tapping was the most common form of energy theft. Most of the electricity consumers engaging in energy theft considered it a rational response to the ineptitude and inefficiency of electricity distribution companies.