NERC Chairman Calls for Unity in Nigeria's Power Sector

Musiliu O. Oseni, the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), called for harmony among stakeholders in the power sector during a workshop focused on legal and regulatory policies.

He urged actors to set aside personal interests and prioritize coordinated policies to prevent failures in the decentralized electricity market. Oseni pointed out that the successful implementation of the Electricity Act 2023 has transferred regulatory oversight to 16 states, but friction among federal and state entities threatens to undermine progress.

He noted that the average Nigerian citizen is indifferent to jurisdictional disputes and primarily cares about reliable electricity supply. Oseni dismissed allegations that NERC serves as a backdoor tool for state regulation, clarifying that he serves as an ex officio chairman without a vote unless there is a tie.

He revealed that NERC is partnering with the World Bank and African Development Bank to launch a training program, while also cautioning that the current state electricity regulatory commissions (SERC) are understaffed and require immediate support.