The National Assembly has announced plans to amend the 2023 Electricity Act to designate the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) as the sole authority for enforcing technical standards and regulations in Nigeria’s power sector.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, disclosed this at the fourth edition of the Stakeholders’ Roundtable for the Enforcement of Technical Standards, Regulations, and Mandates held on Tuesday in Abuja.

This development comes after President Bola Tinubu signed the 2023 Electricity Act into law last year, replacing the 2005 Electricity and Power Sector Reform Act. The new law introduced reforms, including the de-monopolization of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, empowering states, companies, and individuals to manage power independently. It also allowed states to issue licenses for mini-grids and power plants.

However, Senator Abaribe noted that the law does not grant states the authority to enforce technical standards in the power sector. Some states have nevertheless established technical enforcement mechanisms, leading to conflicts with NEMSA’s jurisdiction.

“The National Assembly intends to amend the 2023 Electricity Act to explicitly state that only NEMSA has the authority to enforce technical standards in the power sector. For safety and uniformity, Nigeria must have one standard, with NEMSA in charge,” Abaribe said.

He emphasized the need for federal laws to override state laws in this area, warning that allowing states to set independent standards could create legal and operational inconsistencies.

Addressing Substandard Materials and Safety

The senator highlighted the dangers posed by substandard electrical equipment, linking them to frequent grid collapses in Nigeria. He stressed that enforcing a single, national standard is critical for safety and efficiency in the electricity sector.

NEMSA Managing Director, Aliyu Tahir, echoed these concerns in his welcome address. He outlined NEMSA’s core mandate of ensuring the safety and quality of electrical installations, as established under the NEMSA Act 2015 and the 2023 Electricity Act.

“Our mission is to guarantee that electrical materials, equipment, and installations meet the required quality, standards, and specifications to deliver safe and sustainable electricity across Nigeria,” Tahir said.

He called for robust legislative support, judicial interpretation, and stakeholder collaboration to address challenges in regulating the power sector, including the proliferation of substandard materials.

Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration

The roundtable event, organized by NEMSA, brought together stakeholders from the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to discuss the future of technical enforcement in the power sector. Senator Abaribe underscored the importance of collaboration to strengthen NEMSA’s regulatory oversight and ensure compliance with safety standards.

He urged all stakeholders, including contractors, operators, and customers, to support NEMSA’s efforts, promising strict legislative oversight to enhance safety and reliability in the power sector.

Engr. Tahir concluded by reaffirming NEMSA’s commitment to maintaining technical and safety standards, stating, “Together, we can build a safer and more resilient electricity industry.”

The proposed amendment to the 2023 Electricity Act is expected to address regulatory conflicts and reinforce NEMSA’s mandate, paving the way for a more streamlined and safer power sector in Nigeria.