The House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations has expressed serious concerns regarding safety issues and the use of substandard equipment in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN EMPHASIZES ENFORCEMENT OF SAFETY LAWS
Dr. Suleiman Abubakar Gumi, Chairman of the committee, highlighted the House’s dedication to enforcing safety regulations in the sector. He announced that the committee, in collaboration with the Association for Public Policy Analysis, will host a conference to address safety challenges within the industry.
FOCUS ON SAFETY STANDARDS AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Gumi underscored the importance of rigorous adherence to safety standards and regulatory policies for effective legislative action in the power sector. He noted the Federal Government’s commitment to improving safety through the enactment of laws and the establishment of institutions tasked with coordinating, implementing, and enforcing these regulations.
OBJECTIVES OF THE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE
The aim of these efforts is to ensure that electricity service delivery is safe, secure, and of high quality. This includes preventing loss of lives and property and reducing incidents such as electrical accidents, electrocutions, malfunctioning networks and grids, theft, vandalism, and other related issues.
ONGOING CHALLENGES IN THE SECTOR
Despite government efforts to create laws, establish regulatory policies, and set up institutions with guidelines for operators, challenges persist. These include vandalism, theft, unauthorized installation by non-licensed electricians, and the use of substandard electrical materials.
CONFERENCE TO STRENGTHEN OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATION
Dr. Gumi indicated that the forthcoming conference will provide a platform to enhance the Committee’s capacity to fulfill its constitutional oversight and investigative responsibilities.