NERC COLLABORATES WITH NJI

Ag. Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, (NERC) Dr Anthony Akah, stated that the Commission (NERC) has the challenging mandate of performing regulatory functions that seem to place it at the receiving end of market operators, electricity customers and other stakeholders.

He made this statement at the headquarter of the National Judicial Institute (NJI) Abuja, where he went to pay a courtesy call on the administrator of the Institute and to convey the Commission’s willingness to host the annual workshop for judges.

The Administrator of the Institute, Hon. Justice Roselyn Bozimo urged the Commission not to relent in its responsibilities, as it is doing service to the nation.

She said that electricity is of great concern to all Nigerians.

Giving an outline of some of the challenges the Commission has been grappling with, Akah stated that NERC and NJI needed to strengthen their collaborations, so as to balance the interest of consumers and market operators alike.

NERC’s Ag. Chief Executive, who stressed the importance of public buy-in on the power sector reform, informed that NERC has to implement government policy via Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005.

Dr Akah, commended the staff of the Commission for being professional in their responsibilities despite enormous challenges within the power sector.

"NERC has technical and economic regulatory role in the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry. The Commission functions and objectives amongst others are to promote and preserve efficient industry and market structure, ensure adequate supply and maximise access to electricity as well as regulate tariff methodology".

He added " NERC makes regulation in line with section 96 of the EPSR Act, monitor and enforce compliance. He urged the judiciary to create Special Courts to try electricity related offences in line with the rule of law".

Meanwhile, NERC in collaboration with NJI would sometime in the year hold a seminar for judges.