Stakeholders in power sector note that the Federal Government established the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) for the purpose of contributing to efforts aimed at improving power supply across the country.
They observe that the agency can boost power supply by providing data, information and library services for stakeholders’ investors, researchers and academia, among others, through the Electricity Information Management System.
They also expect that the agency will ensure that electrical materials, equipment and instruments used in the electricity supply industry are of the right quality, standards and specifications, according to its mandate.
Stressing the importance of the agency at a recent forum in Abuja, the Minister of Power Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, said that NEMSA would guarantee efficient production and delivery of power supply as expected by the stakeholders.
According to him, apart from ensuring efficient power supply, the operations of the agency will provide safety for lives and public electric installations across the country.
To guarantee the high expectations of Nigerians on power supply, Prof. Barth Nnaji, the former Minister of Power, therefore advised the agency to live up to the expectations by being sensitive to its responsibilities.
Assuring the public of improved power supply, Mr Peter Ewezor, the Managing Director of NEMSA, said: “No electric meters or instruments will be deployed in the sector unless they have been tested statutorily and certified fit for use.
“And no electrical contractor or technician will be allowed to carry out electrical installation works along the value chain and other allied industry without certification from the agency.’’
He insisted that testing and certification of electrical installations were fundamental to achieving improved power supply in Nigeria.
He observed that the agency had engineers, technologists, technicians with specialised technical skills and other auxiliary services to guarantee reliable and quality power supply to Nigerians.
Ewezor, nonetheless, explained that the agency needed the collaboration of all stakeholders to realise the objectives of the agency.
He said that NEMSA was already collaborating with relevant bodies in the economy to ensure the safety of consumers in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
“The agency is cooperating with other agencies such as Consumer Protection Council (CPC) and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), among others, to eliminate any substandard electrical products,’’ he said.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
His statement notwithstanding, Mr Reuben Okeke, the Managing Director, National Power Training Institute of Nigeria, urged the agency to be firm on getting rid of substandard electrical products.
Beside this, Mr Christian Akamnonu, former Chief Executive Officer, Ikeja Distribution Company, advised the agency to ensure the removal of obstruction to power supply lines such as vegetation and unapproved structures, among others, that could cause electrical accidents.
He said the agency should also look into the typical use of substandard wiring cables and switches that gave rise to several accidents in homes, most of which were not reported.
Similarly, to guarantee improved power supply, Mr Kola Balogun, head of an electric meter-producing company, called for a review of the Independent Electricity Distribution Network Act.
In addition to this, Mr Kunle Olubiyo, President, Network for Energy Reform, said that NEMSA had a key role in enforcing standards which would assist the sector to provide stable and sustainable power supply.
He said that the Nigerian economy required reliable electricity for sustainable growth.
However, Mr Friday Ndubuisi, a stakeholder in energy sector, suggested that there should be a synergy in the roles and responsibilities of various institutions within the power sector.
He said inter-agency collaborations among relevant organisations such as Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, SON, Federal Fire Service, CPC and Ministry of Power, would boost other efforts aimed at improving power supply.
For sustainability, Mr Victor Obi electricity consumer said the government should enforce local contents input in the manufacturing of electrical equipment.
He said the stakeholders should also sensitise the public to the benefits of energy efficiency as a way of generating employment.
Sharing similar sentiments, Mr Musa Adamu, a vulcaniser, solicited effective policy on energy consumption to moderate consumers’ pattern of electricity usage.
He advised the appropriate authority to discourage the use of incandescent lamps and mercury vapour flood lights.
He also advised that NEMSA safety manual should be circulated across the country to educate electricity consumers, field engineers and technicians nationwide on how to reduce accidents and electrocution.
As part of awareness campaign, Mr Tunde Olawale, a civil servant, urged NEMSA to provide dedicated telephone numbers to call in case of emergency situations.
According to him, the customers have the right to be protected from avoidable exposure to risks and accidents.(NANFeatures)
**If used, please credit the writer as well as News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)