The 2023 Electricity Act, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, marked a significant shift by ending the monopoly on electricity generation, transmission, and distribution at the national level.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Senate is set to amend the Electricity Act 2023 to explicitly designate the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) as the sole authority for enforcing technical standards and regulations in the country’s power sector.
The announcement was made by Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, during the fourth edition of the Stakeholders’ Roundtable for the Enforcement of Technical Standards and Regulations in Abuja on Tuesday.
The 2023 Electricity Act, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, marked a significant shift by ending the monopoly on electricity generation, transmission, and distribution at the national level. It empowered states, companies, and individuals to generate and distribute electricity, as well as issue licenses for mini-grids and power plants.
However, some states have reportedly set up technical standards and enforcement frameworks overlapping with NEMSA’s responsibilities. Senator Abaribe clarified that the act does not grant states authority to enforce technical electricity standards, emphasizing the need for a unified regulatory framework to prevent inconsistencies.
Abaribe stressed that allowing states to establish independent standards could lead to conflicts, particularly with the use of substandard equipment contributing to frequent grid failures. He stated that the Senate would amend the law to explicitly centralize regulatory authority under NEMSA.
“The 2023 Electricity Act does not allow states to enforce standards for electrical equipment and installations. We need one standard for Nigeria, and NEMSA is best positioned to ensure this,” Abaribe said. He added that federal law should supersede state laws in this matter.
The senator acknowledged the challenges NEMSA faces due to the decentralization of electricity regulation, which requires the agency to ensure uniformity and compliance across states. He called on stakeholders to support NEMSA’s mission to enforce safety and technical standards in the power sector.
NEMSA Managing Director, Aliyu Tahir, highlighted the agency’s critical role in ensuring that electrical materials, equipment, and installations meet quality standards. He noted that substandard materials and poor installations pose significant risks to lives, property, and the reliability of electricity networks.
“Our mission is to guarantee that all installations and materials meet the required standards to deliver safe and sustainable electricity across Nigeria,” Tahir stated.
Tahir also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the legislative and judicial branches to uphold the regulatory framework for the power sector. He called on stakeholders to work together to address the proliferation of substandard electrical materials and ensure strict compliance.
The roundtable event provided a platform for stakeholders, including regulators, contractors, operators, and consumers, to discuss challenges in the enforcement of standards and regulations. Senator Abaribe pledged strict oversight to ensure safety measures are implemented effectively.
“Robust legislative oversight, judicial interpretation, and stakeholder engagement are essential to addressing these challenges and building a safer, more resilient electricity industry,” Tahir added.
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