By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations, Rep. Sulaiman Gumi, has emphasized that safety within Nigeria’s electricity sector is non-negotiable.
Gumi stated this while presenting plans for the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry Safety Conference in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to him, despite efforts by the Federal Government to address safety issues in the electricity sector, challenges persists.
These issues include vandalism, theft, installation of electricity by unlicensed installers, production and use of substandard electrical materials, among other concerns.
The Chairman said that the Committee plans to collaborate with the Association for Public Policy Analysis and other stakeholders in the power sector to host the conference.
“The Power Sector is a critical industry where safety standards and regulations must be strictly followed for effective legislative action,” Gumi said.
He assured that the Federal Government was committed to improving safety standards in the electricity sector through laws and regulations designed to ensure safe and secure electricity service delivery, protecting lives and property.
Despite the existing efforts, Gumi stressed that there are still significant gaps in compliance and enforcement, which necessitate further legislative intervention. He emphasized that the upcoming conference will provide a platform for stakeholders across the country to share insights on opportunities and challenges related to safety standards in the sector.
The conference, according to Gumi, will help the Committee fulfill its constitutional oversight functions as laid out in Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution.
The event aims to bring together key stakeholders, including private operators, consumers, and Nigeria’s international development partners, to develop a policy document that strengthens safety standards and regulations within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
One of the main objectives of the conference is to enhance the capacity of individuals responsible for electricity installations and improve compliance with safety standards. It will also address issues like vandalism, theft, and the use of substandard materials by aligning with the Electricity Act 2023.
“The conference seeks to build collaboration among stakeholders to tackle the importation, marketing, and use of substandard electrical materials, as well as the problem of quackery in the power sector,” Gumi added.
In addition, the conference will address the importation of substandard solar systems and materials used in renewable energy projects and explore the link between electricity safety regulations and broader policies on health and construction at various government levels.