The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has commenced a three-day capacity-building programme for members of its Forum Offices nationwide to strengthen complaint resolution, improve regulatory compliance and protect electricity consumers.
The training, which began on Tuesday, has the theme “Strengthening Forum Members in Delivering Quality Rulings and Resolution of Complaints.”
The commission said the programme was designed to equip Forum Members with the knowledge and skills required to adjudicate consumer complaints effectively and resolve disputes between electricity customers and Distribution Companies (DisCos).
Speaking at the opening of the programme, NERC Chairman, Dr. Musiliu Oseni, represented by the Director, Economic Regulation Division, Mr. Abba Terab, commended the participants for their contributions to protecting consumer rights and improving electricity service delivery.
He said continuous training was necessary to keep the members abreast of developments in the electricity market, particularly changes in the legal and regulatory framework governing the sector.
“It is important that we continue to strengthen your capacity and keep you abreast of developments within the electricity market, particularly changes in the legal and regulatory framework. This will ensure that you are well informed and better equipped to discharge your responsibilities in resolving customer disputes with the DisCos,” he said.
Also speaking, NERC Commissioner, Stakeholder Management Division, Mrs. Aisha Mahmud, represented by the Head, International Relations and Stakeholder Secretariat, Mrs. Regina Osuagwu, described the contributions of Forum Members as invaluable to the commission and electricity consumers nationwide.
She said the reforms and structural changes taking place in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) had made continuous capacity development essential for effective and informed decision-making.
According to her, improved understanding of the evolving electricity market would enable Forum Members to deliver balanced decisions while resolving disputes involving consumers and electricity distribution companies.
“There have been numerous developments within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, and this training provides an opportunity to discuss these changes extensively. Enhancing your understanding of the industry will support informed and balanced decision-making in your roles at the Forum Offices,” she stated.
The training will cover key developments affecting electricity regulation, including decentralisation of the power sector under the Electricity Act 2023, infrastructure vandalism and strategies for addressing the problem.
Other sessions will examine stakeholder engagement and partnerships through the Forum of Nigerian Electricity Regulators (FONER), as well as the role of the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Order in ensuring compliance with Forum decisions.
The commission said strengthening the capacity of Forum Members was important to improving the quality of rulings and ensuring that disputes were resolved in line with applicable laws and regulations.
NERC Forum Offices serve as independent platforms for resolving complaints and appeals between electricity consumers and DisCos.
