Minister Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening NEMSA’s Capacity for Enhanced Power Sector Safety and Compliance

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Engr. Joseph Tegbe, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the operational capacity of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) to enable it to effectively deliver on its statutory mandate of ensuring electrical safety, technical compliance, and reliable electricity supply across the country.

The assurance was given during a presentation by the Management of NEMSA at the Minister’s office in Abuja, where the Agency highlighted its mandate, key achievements, ongoing initiatives, and operational challenges.

The Minister commended NEMSA for its critical role in safeguarding lives and property through electrical inspections, testing, certification, and enforcement of technical standards. He assured the Agency of the Ministry’s support in addressing its priority needs, including improved funding and the provision of a permanent corporate headquarters to enhance operational efficiency.

According to the Minister:
“NEMSA occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s electricity value chain. The Ministry will continue to support the Agency in strengthening its capacity to effectively discharge its responsibilities in promoting electrical safety and regulatory compliance.”

He further encouraged NEMSA to explore innovative and sustainable revenue opportunities within its statutory mandate, particularly in emerging areas of the electricity industry such as electricity meter manufacturing, renewable energy systems, and other electrical installations requiring inspection and certification.

In his presentation, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NEMSA and Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, Engr. Olusegun M. Adesayo, FNSE highlighted significant milestones recorded by the Agency, including the expansion of meter testing infrastructure, increased certification of electricity meters and electrical installation personnel, issuance of safety guidelines for rooftop solar photovoltaic installations, and intensified nationwide electrical inspections and enforcement activities aimed at improving safety and compliance within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.

While acknowledging these achievements, the MD/CEO noted that inadequate funding, shortage of technical personnel, limited operational equipment, and the absence of a permanent corporate headquarters continue to constrain the Agency’s ability to fully discharge its expanding responsibilities under the Electricity Act 2023. He appealed for the Minister’s support in addressing these challenges to further strengthen NEMSA’s effectiveness and nationwide presence.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Federal Ministry of Power and NEMSA to strengthening Nigeria’s electricity regulatory framework through enhanced collaboration, improved institutional capacity, and sustained investment in electrical safety, technical compliance, and consumer protection. Both parties expressed optimism that closer cooperation would further advance the Federal Government’s vision of a safe, reliable, and sustainable electricity sector for all Nigerians.