NERC Celebrates 2 Decades of Regulating Electricity Sector, Pledges Support for Consumers, Investors

By Joycelyn Ellakeche Adah, Abuja

As the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) marks its 20th anniversary, it says it is more than just celebrating a milestone—it is reaffirming its core mandate.

The mandate is to protect consumers, promote investment, and ensure fair competition – a level playing field – across Nigeria’s electricity sector.

Ahead of the celebration, NERC Vice Chairman Dr. Musiliu Oseni described the two-decade mark as a testament to the Commission’s enduring commitment to Nigerians.

“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,” Dr. Oseni said.

“We remain committed to driving reforms that deliver tangible value to Nigerians.”

Persecondnews reports that NERC has lined up activities to commemorate its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of regulatory leadership and reform in Nigeria’s electricity supply industry.

The weeklong lineup of events, include a technical session featuring sector experts, a health and wellness session, a debate competition for secondary school students on energy saving practices, and a commemorative dinner in honour of pioneer and deceased staff, as well as past chairmen and commissioners.

The activities are aimed at fostering collaboration, innovation, and stakeholder engagement across the industry.

Established on October 31, 2005, under the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA), now replaced by the Electricity Act 2023.

NERC has played a pivotal role in guiding the evolution of Nigeria’s power sector.

Over the years, the Commission has overseen the unbundling and privatisation of key industry assets, regulated market operations from post-privatisation to the Transitional Electricity Market stage, and promoted consumer protection, transparency, and sustainable development.

The regulatory body said it remains focused for the next two decades, reaffirming its commitment to balancing consumer protection with investor confidence while advancing Nigeria’s transition toward a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy future.