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NBA President Leads Delegation to NERC: Collaborative Efforts Towards Transforming Nigeria’s Power Sector

Published

2 months ago

February 20, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

In a significant move aimed at addressing key issues plaguing Nigeria’s power sector, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau OON, SAN, along with his esteemed National Executive members, embarked on a notable courtesy visit to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). This visit, held at the National Secretariat NERC, highlighted the commitment of both entities to collaborate in steering the complexities and challenges within the nation’s electricity landscape.

NERC, established as a regulatory body, is paramount in overseeing and regulating the power sector across Nigeria. Led by Vice Chairman Mr. Muslim Olalekan Hussien, the NERC officials warmly welcomed the NBA delegation, affirming their dedication to ensuring the effective operation of Nigeria’s electricity market despite its multifaceted challenges.

During the engaging discourse, Vice Chairman Olalekan provided valuable insights into NERC’s mandate, highlighting its pivotal responsibility in managing issues such as licensing terms, regulatory compliance, and customer service standards within the power sector. Of particular concern was the persistent challenge of tariff litigations, which have significantly impeded NERC’s regulatory functions and hindered the sector’s growth trajectory.

In response, Mr. Maikyau, speaking on behalf of the NBA, acknowledged the critical role of electricity in driving national development and emphasized the indispensable role of legal frameworks in achieving sustainable progress.

Recognizing past tensions between NERC and the legal profession, Mr Maikyau extended an olive branch, expressing the NBA’s determined commitment to facilitating collaboration, advocating for legal reforms, and supporting capacity-building initiatives within the power sector.

The discussions delved into various pertinent issues, including the need for streamlined legal processes, the significance of infrastructure development, and the imperative of enhancing legal sector competencies to address the evolving challenges in Nigeria’s power industry. Both parties agreed on the importance of synergy and cooperation in driving meaningful reforms and ensuring the efficient delivery of electricity services to the Nigerian populace.

Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the shared vision of leveraging legal expertise to navigate complex regulatory laws, promote investor confidence, and foster sustainable development within the power sector. As the dialogue concluded, assurances were made of continued engagement, with plans for future collaborations and joint initiatives to advance the collective interests of Nigeria’s power sector stakeholders.

The courtesy visit was proof of the NBA’s commitment to constructive engagement and partnership building, addressing systemic challenges, and driving positive transformation within Nigeria’s electricity industry. The collaboration between the NBA and NERC underscores a collective determination to harness legal expertise in overcoming obstacles and steering Nigeria towards a brighter energy future.

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