Mr. Princewill Okorie, a prominent expert on power and National President of the Association for Public Policy Analysis (APPA), has urged stakeholders in the power sector to implement robust measures to ensure the safety of electrical materials and infrastructure.
In an interview with Pathwaynews in Abuja on Sunday, Okorie emphasized the need for collective effort to address safety, standards, and regulations within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). He highlighted that safety challenges in the sector include instability of electricity networks, poor service delivery, fire outbreaks, electrocution, and accidents that result in loss of lives and property.
Okorie pointed out that issues such as substandard cables, transformers, meters, solar products, electricity theft, vandalism, and consumer extortion have led to financial losses for investors and diminished value for consumers. He also noted a lack of adequate enlightenment on safety standards and insufficient information about intervention programs from international development partners.
Despite the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing safety standards through legislation, regulations, and institutional frameworks, Okorie stressed that problems persist, including vandalism, theft, unauthorized installations, and the use of sub-standard materials. He cited violations of the Electricity Act 2023, which mandates the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to ensure safety, security, reliability, and quality in electricity production and delivery.
In response to these challenges, Okorie revealed that the House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations plans to collaborate with APPA and other sector stakeholders to organize a conference focused on safety. He believes this conference will establish a solid foundation for the committee to fulfill its oversight and investigative roles as outlined in Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution.
