The Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe yesterday disclosed that the use of substandard equipment in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, NESI, is one of the major causes of frequent collapse of the national electricity grid.
Sen. Abaribe who disclosed this at the 2024 stakeholders roundtable on the enforcement of technical standards, regulations and mandates of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA, in Abuja, urged the agency to closely monitor operators to ensure that standard equipment were used in the industry.
The roundtable had the theme: Optimising executive, legislative and judicial roles on NEMSA's mandate of enforcement of technical standards and regulations in the NESI.
The Senator observed that due to the high cost of cement and iron rods, concrete electric pole manufacturers were using less materials in their productions.
He said: "It is imperative to note that this roundtable has been organized by NEMSA at a time when use of substandard electrical equipment is considered one of the major culprits of frequent grid collapse in Nigeria.
"Also, it has been widely reported in the Nigerian media recently that the EFCC has discovered through its investigation that use of substandard electrical equipment and materials have become a major unwholesome practice by contractors in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
"Furthermore, with the decentralization of electricity regulatory responsibilities ushered in by the enactment of Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) (No.17) Act and the Electricity Act, 2023, the challenge of enforcing electrical standards and safety at the sub national levels of Government may even become more daunting for NEMSA".
Speaking earlier, Managing Director/CEO, NEMSA, Engr Aliyu Tahir assured the stakeholders that the agency would deliver on its mandate of enforcement that would ensure safety for consumers and operators in the sector.
Engr Tahir noted that the roundtable "is one of the critical steps in our collective journey towards ensuring the safety, reliability, and sustainability of Nigeria's electricity supply industry.
"The critical roles played by the legislative and judicial arms of government in shaping and upholding regulatory frameworks cannot be overstated. Your partnership is essential in strengthening the enforcement of Technical Standards and Regulations and ensuring compliance across the sector".
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Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Alhaji Mamudah Mamman said the gathering was a crucial step towards deepening awareness, fostering compliance with approved standards and regulations.
Mamman who was represented by Mrs Ochanya Ofoma, said "This workshop is not just a gathering but a call to action. It is a call to all stakeholders, government agencies, private developers, industry experts, and policymakers to align our efforts towards achieving a safe, sustainable, and inclusive energy future for Nigeria".
