“POWERING UP JUSTICE: NERC SEMINAR TO BOOST ELECTRICITY SECTOR REFORMS”
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–THE Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is hosting its sixth Seminar on the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) for Judicial Officers, focusing on the theme “Nigeria’s Electricity Market in Transition: Law, Regulation and the Courts”.
Key Issues:
– _”The event provides a strong platform for meaningful engagement with the judiciary on the progress and challenges within the Nigerian power sector.”_ – Dr Musiliu Oseni, NERC Chairman
– Multi-Tier Electricity Market : NERC has issued Transfer Orders to 16 states, marking a shift towards a more complex regulatory framework.
– _”We are moving from a regime where My Lords only deal with matters involving utilities and NERC as the sole regulator, to matters involving multiple regulators.”_ – Dr Oseni
– Key Milestones : Creation of Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) Ltd, test synchronisation with West African Power Pool, and prepaid meter distribution.
– _”Effective adjudication on such matters will require familiarisation of My Lords with not only federal laws and NERC regulations but also different states’ laws and regulatory instruments.”_ – Dr Oseni
– Judicial Support : Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, commends NERC-NJI collaboration, emphasizing judicial capacity building
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, stated that the judiciary occupies a vital position in this reform journey as guardian of the law. He noted that the decentralization of electricity regulation has introduced new areas of adjudication in electricity sector jurisprudence. Furthermore, he emphasised that this seminar is a crucial step that aligns fully with the vision of the CJN toward improving case resolutions within the sector.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Hon. Justice Babatunde Adejumo (Rtd.), stated that given the technical and policy-driven nature of the sector, Judges are increasingly required to navigate the complex intersection of law, economics, and engineering.
He emphasized that bridging this knowledge gap is a primary objective that this seminar seeks to support, ensuring the Judiciary remains equipped to handle the evolving needs of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, delivered a goodwill message at the NERC 2026 Seminar for Judges at the NJI Complex in Abuja.
He stated that lawmakers have a mandate to foster reforms through legislative interventions, such as the recent Constitutional Amendments, enactment of the Electricity Act, 2023, and the proposed amendments to the Act. “These specific sector reforms will boost our electricity supply, integrate renewable energy, promote competition, increase access to affordable electricity, and mitigate disputes between State, Federal, and private entities in the electricity sector,” he said.
The lawmaker commended NERC and NJI for initiating this vital dialogue between electricity regulators and the Bench, focused on Law, Regulation, and the Courts. Sen. Abaribe further noted: “It will also enhance dispute resolution on electricity matters, reduce regulatory uncertainty, and contribute to a more robust electricity market that can meet the developmental needs of our nation.”
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, represented by the Director, Distribution Services at the Federal Ministry of Power, Engr. Baba Umara Mustapha, commended NERC and NJI for sustaining the seminar.
“This seminar is a potent platform for constructive engagement between the judiciary and power-sector officials to discuss the legal, commercial, and regulatory dynamics of the power sector,” the Minister stated.
There were presentations during the technical session: The first technical session was led by the Commissioner, Legal, Licencing and Compliance at NERC, Mr Dafe Akpeneye. His paper, titled “The Electricity Act 2023 in Practice: Implementation Gaps, Regulatory Friction and the Case for Legislative Amendment.” Provided a roadmap for the sector’s current transition.
The next paper was delivered by the Chairman of Geometric Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, titled “The Investors’ Perspective: Investment Opportunities and Challenges in the Nigerian Power Sector.”
In a presentation, NERC Vice Chairman, Dr Yusuf Ali (represented by the Director, Economic Regulation, Mr Abba Terab), discussed, ‘Regulating Electricity Tariffs in a Decentralised Market Structure.’
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