The speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, says effective regulation is essential to ensuring the safety, efficiency, reliability and sustainability of the power sector.

Mr Abbas, represented by Audu Gana, the deputy chairman of the House Committee on Power, said this at the International Power Engineering Exhibition and Conference (IPECON) in Abuja on Wednesday.

The Chartered Institute of Power Engineers of Nigeria (CIPEN) organised the event.

He said effective regulation would also help to maintain high standards of ethical conduct, competence and professionalism among engineering professionals.

According to him, regulation is vital in maintaining public trust and fostering accountability that drives innovation within the sector.

The speaker said the global push for sustainable energy and Nigeria’s urgent need for reliable, sustainable power supply demands a transformative and dynamic approach to how it manages and regulates our power sector.

”This conference’s theme, “Birthing an Effective Electric Power Sector of the 21st Century: The Role of Professional Practice Regulation’’ highlights the pressing need for a robust regulatory framework prioritising safety, efficiency, reliability and sustainability.

”In this context, the role of professional practice becomes even more crucial,” he said.

Enyinnaya Abaribe, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, said numerous challenges in the power sector underscore the necessity for a collaborative effort to reform and revitalise the power sector.

Represented by Benson Konbowei, Mr Enyinnaya said, ”It is imperative that the stakeholders in the sector establish robust regulatory frameworks that not only ensure ethical professionalism but also promote innovation.”

He said the regulation of the sector must evolve to accommodate emerging technologies such as smart grids and renewable energy sources.

”By fostering a culture of accountability and professionalism within the industry, we can enhance operational standards and ensure that power engineers are equipped with the necessary skills to meet contemporary challenges,” he said.

President of CIPEN, Israel Abraham, said the conference was a wake-up call for power engineering technocrats to reappraise their role in getting the sector back on a progressive path.

Mr Abraham said the expected discussions would exhaustively dwell on proffering needed solutions to answer the varied questions posed by the conference theme. 

(NAN)