Electrical Installations : FG Insists On Technical Standard Compliance

Honourable Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR, addressing press at the venue of the roundtable meeting. 

The Federal government has reiterated commitment to the enforcement of technical standards, regulations, technical inspection, testing and certification of all electrical installations, urging stakeholders to support the efforts in the interest of all Nigerians.

The Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR, stated this on Thursday during a roundtable by Legislature and Judiciary on the enforcement of technical standards, regulations, mandate, roles and responsibilities of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) held at Fraser Suits, Abuja.

Agba said that to ensure the efficient production and delivery of safe, reliable and sustainable electricity power supply that will guarantee safety of lives and properties in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) and other allied industries/workplaces, standard regulations must be maintained.

The Minister said that "it has been observed that NEMSA's attempts to enforce these standards have met with resistance on some occasions which is attributed to lack of adequate knowledge about agency and its roles, responsibilities and mandate.

Many of the challenges encountered by officers of the agency are usually portrayed in two forms, to wit; ignorance of the core mandate and functions of the agency and lack of awareness by the general public in giving interpretation to the provisions of the NEMSA act. Hence, the need to sensitize and improve upon the awareness of relevant stakeholders particularly the Legislative and Judicial arms government has become imperative as their corporation would play an important role in enhancing the effective delivery of NEMSA's mandate".

He maintained that the support of critical stakeholders will engender and enhance enforcement compliance by industry operators and stakeholders towards achieving safe, reliable efficient and stable power as well as safety of lives and properties in Nigeria.

On his part, the Managing Director of NEMSA/Chief Inspector Officer of the Federation, Engr. Peter Ewesor said that one of the ways Nigeria can overcome the challenge of electricity is to always adhere to technical standards in installations of electricity infrastructures.

He noted that "electricity is an important tool in growing economy. And in ensuring improved power supply in Nigeria, there's the need to ensure enforcement of world's best practices in maintaining technical standards.

Ewesor added that," a lot of meters out there have not been tested. Why we test is to ensure energy accuracy and balance. Meter is not only for the consumers but also the Discos. The Senate has given us a difficult task of demolishing building under high tension lines. We've started by disconnecting all facilities within high tension lines to serve as a warning to people ".

While commending the Minister and MD for organizing the meeting, Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Senator Gabriel Susan said that " there's need for Nigerians to know and appreciate what NEMSA is doing because they occupy a critical position in the power sector. This explains why this meeting is very important".

The Senator added that "the National Assembly is willing to be a partner in progress by enacting laws that will clearly define the functions of NEMSA and NERC to avoid the conflict and disagreement we've been witnessing. The Power Act we're working on will be a comprehensive document that will clearly spell out the rules and responsibilities of all the agencies and commissions under the power sector ".