… As Power Engineers Advocate for enhance technical competence in NESI
By Gloria Akudoro
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has inaugurated a new forum aimed at enhancing coordination and effectiveness in electricity regulation across Nigeria.
Speaking at the first quarter 2026 Regulatory Meeting with State Electricity Regulators (SERs) in Lagos, NERC Chairman, Dr. Musiliu Oseni, described the initiative as a major step in Nigeria’s transition to a multi-level electricity market.
Inaugurating the Forum of Nigerian Electricity Regulators (FONER), Dr Oseni emphasised the need for collaboration to prevent regulatory loopholes within the sector.
“We must work collaboratively to avoid regulatory arbitrage by operators. I charge all of us to carry out this mandate with the highest sense of responsibility. Pursuant to Section 230(9) of the Electricity Act 2023, I hereby declare the Forum of Nigerian Electricity Regulators duly inaugurated,” he said.
FONER is expected to drive key regulatory objectives, including fostering dialogue between NERC and SERs, promoting harmonised approaches in tariff setting, market operations, and consumer protection, and supporting capacity-building through peer learning.
NERC said that the forum will also serve as a consultative platform for electricity market reforms while advancing transparency, accountability, and national regulatory benchmarks.
Key highlights of the meeting include: Review of the fourth quarter 2025 action log; Signing and launch of the FONER Charter, and the inauguration of the forum’s leadership. Dr Oseni serve as Chairman, alongside Engr. Chijioke Okonkwo of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ESERC) as Vice Chairman, and Aisha Mahmud, NERC Commissioner, Stakeholder Management Division as Secretary;
The quarterly regulatory meeting continues to serve as a platform for NERC and state regulators to exchange ideas, strengthen collaboration, and drive improvements in Nigeria’s electricity supply industry, with the ultimate goal of expanding access to reliable power for Nigerians.
Similarly, the Chairman of NERC received the management team of the Chartered Institute of Power Engineers of Nigeria (CIPEN) led by its President, Engr. Israel Abraham, in Abuja on Tuesday, 24 March, 2026.
Speaking to the delegation, Dr. Oseni emphasised the commission’s of the vital role of professional bodies and affirmed its commitment to strengthening competence across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
On his part, the President of CIPEN, Engr. Abraham stated that the advocacy visit was to formerly reintroduce CIPEN which has a clear a mandate to maintain and register qualified engineering professionals, establish competency standard and promote continuous improvement in line with international best practice.
He emphasised that NERC’s collaboration will further strengthen its regulatory oversight.
