The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations, Hon. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, has emphasised that safety in Nigeria’s electricity sector cannot be compromised.
He said this during a Pre-Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) Safety Conference held in Abuja, where he reiterated the Committee’s commitment to addressing safety challenges in the power sector.
Hon. Gumi stated that the Committee would work in collaboration with the Association for Public Policy Analysis and other stakeholders in the electricity industry to ensure that safety standards are upheld. Despite the Federal Government’s efforts to improve safety in the sector, several issues persist, such as vandalism, theft, the use of unlicensed electrical installers, and the circulation of substandard electrical materials.
He acknowledged the government’s commitment to enhancing safety standards by enacting laws, setting up regulatory bodies, and providing guidelines aimed at ensuring electricity services are delivered safely, with minimal risks to lives and property.
He highlighted the need for greater compliance and enforcement of existing laws, calling for a strengthening of policies to mitigate ongoing issues such as electrical accidents, electrocutions, and damage to electricity grids.
The lawmaker pointed out that the upcoming NESI Safety Conference would serve as a platform for stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities within the sector. It will bring together key players at the local, state, and federal levels to explore ways to address safety concerns in the electricity industry.
One of the primary goals of the conference is to develop an all-encompassing policy document that will enhance the Committee’s oversight responsibilities, ensuring that Nigeria’s electricity services are delivered safely and efficiently.
Hon. Gumi also stressed the importance of addressing the widespread use of substandard electrical materials and unlicensed installers in the power sector. The conference, he noted, would offer a valuable opportunity for training and capacity-building for professionals involved in electricity installations, to ensure that they adhere to the required safety standards.
Additionally, the conference aims to strengthen enforcement strategies to prevent vandalism, theft, and the use of faulty materials, as well as to explore the penalties outlined in the Electricity Act 2023.
The conference will also address the importation of substandard solar systems and materials, which are crucial for renewable energy projects and climate change initiatives. It seeks to create a framework for Renewable Energy Safety Standards and Regulations, ensuring that such projects meet the necessary safety requirements.
Gumi concluded by highlighting the link between electricity safety standards and broader health and construction policies, stressing the importance of coordination across all levels of government to achieve a safer and more reliable electricity sector in Nigeria.