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Recurring grid collapses a ‘national embarrassment’— NERC Chairman

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18 hours ago

February 10, 2026

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Recurring grid collapses a ‘national embarrassment’— NERC Chairman

…as Commission holds seminar for judges

By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja

The Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Musiliu Oseni, has admitted that the recurring collapse of the national power grid has become a national embarrassment.

Oseni made the remark in Abuja on Monday at the opening of the 2026 NERC Seminar for Judges, noting that the Commission has intensified its monitoring of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) project, which is expected to significantly improve grid reliability.

He explained that with the recent establishment of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), it had become necessary to brief members of the judiciary on the rules and regulations governing the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

“The Commission has intensified oversight of the implementation of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) project. This is aimed at addressing the recurring incidents of grid collapse, which have become a national embarrassment,” Oseni said.

He added that several initiatives were currently being championed by the Commission, including the development of a regulatory framework to attract private investment in transmission infrastructure, measures to power the real economy, and the creation of clusters of excellence with access to reliable electricity.

“We have also established customer care clinics across all distribution companies to improve customer service delivery,” he said.

Declaring the seminar open, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, said the programme was designed to deepen judicial understanding of the legal frameworks governing electricity regulation, administrative compliance, and dispute resolution.

According to her, the engagement was convened at a critical point in the evolution of Nigeria’s electricity sector, which is witnessing far-reaching regulatory reforms, rapid technological innovation, and an increasing demand for judicial clarity and coherence in the interpretation and application of electricity laws.

“The Nigerian electricity sector, as we are all aware, is undergoing a profound transformation driven by legislative reforms, policy innovations, increased private sector participation, and the progressive decentralisation of regulatory authority to state-level institutions,” the CJN said.

She noted that these developments had significantly increased the complexity of legal issues coming before the courts, making judicial familiarity with sector-specific regulations and practices indispensable.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, represented by the Director of Distribution, Mustapha Babaumara, observed that Nigeria’s electricity market was undergoing a fundamental transition marked by evolving regulatory structures, increased decentralisation, and a growing role for sub-national actors.