THE Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced the commemoration of its 20th anniversary to mark two decades of dedicated service in regulating and shaping the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
Established on 31st October 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.
And in the past 20 years, the Commission has championed reforms that foster transparency, accountability, consumer protection and sustainable growth across the sector.
A statement signed by the management of the Commission said the anniversary celebration reflects on the NERC’s remarkable journey from the early challenges of its establishment, through the regulation of the unbundled power sector, the privatisation of key assets in the value chain and the oversight of the Nigerian Electricity Market from the post-privatisation and Interim Market stages to the Transition Electricity Market, among other milestones.
To mark the milestone, however, the Commission 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 come together to reflect on the sector’s progress, share insights and renew their commitment to building a reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity supply industry.
Speaking ahead of the celebration, NERC vice chairman, Dr Musiliu Oseni, said, ‘This 20th anniversary is not just a milestone, it’s a reaffirmation of our mandate to protect consumers, promote investment and ensure a level-playing field in Nigeria’s electricity sector. We remain committed to driving reforms that deliver tangible value to Nigerians.’
Highlights of the celebration will include technical session featuring panel discussions by eminent personalities in the power sector; health and wellness session; debate contest on energy-saving practices for secondary school students; a commemorative dinner to honour pioneer and deceased members of staff as well as past chairmen and commissioners.
The statement added that the aforementioned are 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.’