By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN), South East Zone, on Tuesday held a strategic interactive meeting with the Management of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited, with both parties emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration towards safer electrical installations, improved regulatory compliance, and better service delivery within the power sector.
Held at the company’s headquarters in Awka, the meeting brought together members of the association and the Management team of FirstPower for discussions on electrical safety standards, customer connection processes, professionalism, and operational efficiency.
Presenting an address during the meeting, the National Coordinator of LECAN South East Zone, Mr. Nwachukwu Anozie Charles, commended the Management of FirstPower for what he described as the noticeable transformation and reforms currently taking place within the franchise area and the company.
He noted that the association, made up of skilled technical and engineering professionals in electrical wiring, construction, and installation, remained committed to ensuring that electrical installations across the state conform with approved standards and safety regulations.
According to him, the visit was aimed at strengthening synergy and fostering a healthier working relationship between the association and the company for the overall improvement of electricity services and safety standards within the state.
The association also expressed support for the ongoing institutional reforms within FirstPower, while calling for sustained collaboration in areas relating to electrical inspections, certification, monitoring, and standardization of installations.
LECAN further stressed the importance of proper inspection and certification of electrical works before approval for power supply, noting that adherence to standard procedures remains critical for safety and operational efficiency.
The group also advocated improved coordination in the processing of customer connection documentation, stronger monitoring against substandard electrical installations, and measures aimed at discouraging impersonation and abuse within the system.
Reacting, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstPower, Engr. Okechukwu Okafor, emphasized the need for closer working relationships with professional bodies and stakeholders within the electricity sector.
He encouraged the association to strengthen internal monitoring mechanisms capable of identifying and addressing quackery, impersonation, and unethical practices capable of damaging the integrity of the profession.
The MD also urged the association to ensure that preliminary inspections and validations for prospective electricity customers are carried out promptly before documents are submitted to the company, explaining that such proactive actions would help FirstPower meet regulatory timelines for new customer connections and metering.
Engr. Okafor further advised members of the association to report any company official found involved in illegalities, unethical practices, compromise, or activities capable of undermining standards within the sector, further assuring that the management would always take decisive actions where necessary.
Reacting to a concern raised by the association over perceived delays in metering process; the MD reassured of FirstPower’s commitment to improving metering and service delivery across the state, revealing that additional meter vendors had already been engaged to boost meter supply and accelerate installations across the state.
The MD also cautioned customers against applying for meters through unauthorized persons or middlemen, warning that such practices often expose unsuspecting individuals to fraud and related scams.
As part of measures aimed at strengthening credibility and reducing abuse, the association presented a secured certification process with verification features intended to improve authenticity in electrical installation documentation submitted to the company.
Others who spoke at the meeting included the South East Deputy Coordinator of LECAN, Mr. Nwankwo Fidelis Divine; the Anambra State Coordinator of the association, Engr. Everistus Ekeanyanwu; the Enugu State Coordinator, Engr. Nweke Calistus; and the State Public Relations Officer of the association, Mr. Chidi Orji, among others.
The concerns and suggestions raised during the engagement were also addressed by the MD and some members of the Management team of FirstPower present, including the Head of the Connection Management Group (CMG), Mrs. Maureen Chinwe Okoye; the Head of Customer Service, Mrs. Obianuju Okafor; the Head of Regulatory, Mrs. Ngozi Mbah; the Chief Commercial Officer, Dr. Mrs. Nnenna Obi; and the Head of Technical, Engr. Okwudili Udechukwu.
The meeting formed part of ongoing stakeholder engagements by FirstPower aimed at strengthening partnerships, improving operational standards, and promoting safer and more efficient electricity distribution within Anambra State.
More photos from the event:
