“CJN SOUNDS ALARM ON ELECTRICITY SAFETY, URGES COURTS TO ACT”
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called on the judiciary to take proactive measures to enforce safety regulations in the electricity sector, amid concerns over non-compliance and its impact on the industry’s development.
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Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun and the Chairman of NERC, Engr. Sanusi Garba, spoke on Monday at the opening session of the 2025 seminar on the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) for judicial officers organised by NERC in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), in Abuja. The theme of the three-day seminar is “Navigating the dynamics of Nigerians above electricity sector”.
Chief Justice of Nigeria Kekere-Ekun cited as alarming 112 electricity related cases and 95 injuries recorded in 2024 alone, adding that the judiciary role must extend beyond dispute resolution as electricity operators who fails to adhere to safety regulations must be held accountable.
According to her, “Our role extends well beyond dispute resolution. We are called upon to interpret legislation, uphold statutory and constitutional mandates and ensure that justice is administered equitably in a rapidly changing sector. The role remains undeminished, indeed, it grows more urgent as judicial interpretations increasingly serve as precedents that influence investors confidence to more legislative consistency and protect consumer rights.
“Moreover, I must draw attention to the pressing issue of safety within the electricity sector. NERC’s latest report revealed an alarming trend. 112 electricity related cases and 95 injuries were recorded in 2024 alone. The judiciary must take a proactive stance in enforcing safety regulations.
“Operators who fails to comply must be held accountable while victims and their families must be accorded the justice they deserve. The safety of our citizens must never be treated as incidental. It is legal and moral imperative. I am confident that this seminar has been designed with this urgent needs in mind.”
The NERC Chairman, Engr. Garba who was represented by the NERC Vice Chairman, Dr. Musiliu Oseni, who led other directors of the Commission, noted that experiences had shown that the judiciary can make or mar the electricity sector.
He said: “With reference to some previous judicial pronouncements, be it exparte order, or some pronouncements of judicial decisions, we have experienced a lot of issues that have shaped the development of this sector.
“Example of which is the critical case of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) case in 2015, which up to date , we are still suffering the impact of judicial pronouncement that was made as far back as a decade ago. A similar case is also a case of Toluwani which was instituted in Lagos in 2016 and the pronouncement was made by the court which was based on exparte motion and it took the Court of appeal in 2019 to vacate the judicial pronouncement that was made by a lower court.
“During that period the Commission was rendered ineffective and we all know that whether we like it or not, investment follows the fast road …..if the investors are not confident of the judicial interpretation of the law or probably, they are afraid of what will become of their investments, there is no way they will be willing to make investments that will be proper or enough for us to have sufficient progress that we all desire with respect to improved performance of electricity in Nigeria.
“We all believe that the power sector is a critical sector as no nation has developed without having sufficient electricity. It is on the basis that the Commission has recognized the importance and critical relevance of the judiciary and we have made it a duty to have interaction with you on annual basis.”
Dr. Oseni further explained that the purpose of the interaction is not to offer the course of justice but to have an interaction engagement with the judiciary in order to have an understanding of the technical nature of the electricity sector and to be able to make an informed decision and judgements in dealing with any case that come before the Lordships.
“It is on this basis we felt that it is important for us to continuously engage with the judiciary to ensure that sufficient understanding is made in order to ensure that we all work together for the success of this industry and for the success of Nigeria at large”, he stated.
Earlier, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, noted that the theme of the seminar is timely and critical as will collectively worked to strengthen and expand the legal and regulatory framework governing the Nigeria’s electricity sector.
He emphasized the importance of NERC saying, “NERC plays a vital role in ensuring stability, transparency and efficiency of the electricity market through licensing of operators, setting industry standards and protecting consumers rights. Its efforts are instrumental in enforcing a competitive and sustainable electricity sector that meets the needs of our growing population and economy.
“The electricity sector remains cornerstone of our nation’s socioeconomic development, it touches every facet of life, providing energy needed for industrialization, innovation and improved living standards.
“This is underscored by Goal 7 Sustainable Development Goal which is to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. The electricity sector in Nigeria is undergoing significant revolution marked by dynamic reforms, regulatory, competitive and the push for greater efficiency. However, the strive to transform this sector still face challenges that demand due understanding and collaboration.”
Also, on his part, the Administrator of NJI, Justice Abdullahi Salisu Garba, noted that since the commencement of the annual seminar in 2010, the seminar has become a recurring event in the institutes annual judicial programmes.
He said it has over the years, become a forum for fostering a deeper understanding of legal regulatory landscape of Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
“It provides forum for examining the legal, regulatory and policy framework that governs this sector and consider how the framework can be strengthened to promote efficiency, attract investments and ensure equitable access to electricity by all Nigerians. It also provides forum for constructive dialogues, share insights and courses towards a prosperous and sustainable energy future”, he said
