NERC Strengthens Judicial Officers’ Capacity on Electricity Sector
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Monday organised a seminar for judicial officers to enhance their understanding of the Nigerian electricity sector's dynamics.
This seminar, held in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) at the NJI Complex in Abuja, aimed to strengthen the knowledge and capacity of judges.
In his welcome remarks, NJI Administrator Hon. Justice Salisu Garba expressed confidence in the seminar, noting it as a platform to keep the judiciary updated on the electricity sector's dynamics.
“Ultimately, we are confident that this seminar will not only enhance the knowledge base of your lordships but also foster the spirit of collaboration that contributes to the sustainable development of the Nigerian electricity sector,” he said.
NERC Chairman Sanusi Garba, represented by NERC Vice Chairman Dr. Musiliu Oseni, emphasized the importance of sustaining such seminars for judicial officers.
“Investments follow the path to recovery, and if investors are not confident in judicial interpretation of the law or fear for their investments, they may not be willing to invest sufficiently to promote the progress we all desire in improving Nigeria's electricity performance. It is crucial for us to continuously engage with the judiciary to provide sufficient understanding and ensure we all work together for the industry's success,” stated Dr. Oseni.
Among the dignitaries delivering goodwill remarks was the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi.
He commended NERC for organizing the seminar, stating, “This seminar provides an invaluable platform for their lordships to deepen their understanding of the complexities of the electricity sector.”
He stressed the judiciary's role as an arbiter to ensure that all stakeholders, including government agencies, private investors, and electricity users, can work together to achieve reliable and efficient electricity supply for socio-economic activities.
Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Joshua Gana, highlighted the seminar's importance and reiterated the National Assembly's support for actions that improve electricity supply in Nigeria.
President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe SAN, noted that several regulations and frameworks are in place to ensure optimal electricity supply and that the seminar's discussions were timely.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the seminar's significance.
She noted that it built upon fruitful discussions from a similar engagement last year, where participants discussed reforms introduced by the Constitution and the Electricity Act 2023 and the judiciary's role in navigating the evolving legal framework in the electricity supply industry.
“The Nigerian electricity sector stands at a crucial inflection point as it undergoes a transformation driven by decentralized renewable energy innovations, increased investment in off-grid and solar mini-grid solutions, and the emergence of a dual-led electricity market framework.
These developments are reshaping not only how power is generated and distributed but also how regulatory and contractual relationships are conceived, monitored, and enforced.
Against this background, the judiciary must be prepared to meet new demands,” stated Justice Kekere-Ekun.
The seminar's first day included a technical session where facilitators made key presentations.
NERC Commissioner for Legal, Licensing, and Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye, delivered a paper on ‘Transitioning into a Decentralized Electricity Sector: Legal and Regulatory Perspectives,’ guiding participants through the history of Nigeria's electricity sector and its ongoing transition into the subnational electricity market.
NERC Commissioner for Planning, Research, and Strategy, Dr. Yusuf Ali, spoke on ‘Navigating the Dynamics of a Dual Electricity Market: Situation Report’, while NERC Vice Chairman and Commissioner for Market Competition and Rates, Dr. Musiliu Oseni, presented on ‘Commercial and Transactional Issues in the Dual Electricity Market.’
