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By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has insisted that it is not the responsibility of consumers to pay for assets in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, NESI.
NERC Commissioner, Consumer Affairs, Aisha Mahmud who stated this at the ongoing seminar for Judges, saod it is against the Commission’s regulation for consumers to pay for assets.
According to her, “We have to make it clear again that it is not the responsibility of the consumers to pay for any asset in the electricity sector. We have made that clear in one of our regulations which is the investment in electricity network regulation.
“So far, we have approved some of these agreements but we think consumers still need more enlightenment on this process and we will continue to do that”, she added.
Earlier, in his keynote address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, called on NERC to ensure clear guidelines for players in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, NESI.
Justice Ariwoola said the judiciary would continue to support the ongoing reforms in the sector.
The CJN who was represented by the NJI Administrator, Hon. Justice Salisu Garba said: “Electricity sector is one that is very important to our dear nation and one that has far-reaching implications for the growth and prosperity of our country.
“It is in this light that the theme of this workshop seeks to draw our attention to some of the current realities, especially realities that are necessitated by the activities in the electricity and energy subsector and how these affects judicial officers in their dual capacities as citizens and as administrators of justice according to law.”
On his part, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu explained that the Electricity Act 2023 introduced far reaching features that “propel market liberalisation, extend regulatory reach, and establish a more coherent policy framework that will mitigate of the operational and systemic risks in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry”.
He pointed out that the Nigerian judiciary has “helped NESI with notable pronouncements and the act of the judiciary goes far in attracting private investment in the power sector. This seminar is a laudable initiative of the Commission geared towards building the capacity of the Nigerian bench”.
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Also speaking, the Chairman, NERC, Engr Sanusi Garba said “the key objectives of the seminar is to stimulate a discourse on emerging legal issues relating to the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry and to appraise the judiciary of the recent changes in the regulatory landscape.”
Source: Vanguard News
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