The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers, promoting investment, and ensuring a level playing field in Nigeria’s electricity sector.

This is contained in a statement on its website in Abuja on Wednesday.

It said NERC’s vice chairman, Musiliu Oseni, reaffirmed the commitment while speaking on the commission’s upcoming 20th anniversary.

Mr Oseni said that the anniversary was not just a milestone but a reaffirmation of the commission’s mandate to protect consumers’ investment and ensure a level playing field in Nigeria’s electricity sector.

”We remain committed to driving reforms that deliver tangible value to Nigerians,” he said.

He said that the commemoration of the anniversary marked two decades of dedicated service in regulating and shaping the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

”The anniversary commemoration reflects on the commission’s remarkable journey from the early challenges of its establishment, through the regulation of the unbundled power sector, and the privatisation of key assets in the value chain.

”The oversight of the Nigerian Electricity Market from the post-privatisation and Interim Market stages to the Transition Electricity Market, among other milestones.

”Established on Oct 31, 2005, under the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) 2005, now replaced by the Electricity Act 2023, NERC has played a pivotal role in steering the evolution of Nigeria’s electricity market, ”it said.

He said that over the past 20 years, the commission has championed reforms that foster transparency, accountability, consumer protection, and sustainable growth across the sector.

Mr Oseni  said that to mark the milestone, NERC will host a series of events and activities aimed at showcasing its achievements, engaging stakeholders, and setting a forward-looking agenda for the future of electricity in Nigeria.

”Stakeholders from government, industry, development partners, and consumer advocacy groups will convene to reflect on the sector’s progress.

“They will also share insights and renew their commitment to building a reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity supply industry.

”Highlights of the celebration will include a technical session featuring panel discussions by eminent personalities in the power sector, a health and wellness session, and a debate contest on energy-saving practices for secondary school students,” he said.

The chairman said that a commemorative dinner to honour pioneers and deceased members of staff, as well as past chairmen and commissioners, will also be held.

According to him, these activities were designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and public engagement in the sector.

”As NERC looks ahead to the next 20 years, the commission remains steadfast in its mission to regulate the electricity supply industry in the public interest.

”Balancing the needs of consumers and operators while supporting Nigeria’s energy transition,” he said.

(NAN)