From David Onuoja, Abuja
Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has commended Edo State Judiciary for adopting Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), Practice Directions of 2026.
According to a statement issued today in Abuja by NERC, said, the practice direction is a significant milestone in strengthening the legal and regulatory framework governing the power sector.
This direction formally introduced by the Edo State Judiciary under the leadership of the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, took effect on 25 May, 2026.
This milestone the statement added, is a direct fruition of the commission’s sustained engagement with state Judiciaries to dismantle the litigation bottlenecks that have historically constrained the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
The key features of this Practice Directions are as follows: active case management and expedited hearing of all Edo State electricity market-related matters.
Others are, mandatory exhaustion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms before the commencement of court proceedings, recognition of electronic service of court processes via email and WhatsApp as a valid service.
While the rest are the streamlining of procedures for appeals arising from the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission’s decisions, including a 30-day filing period and accelerated hearing timelines. And the establishment of a dedicated Register of Edo State Electricity Market Claims to be maintained by the Court Registrar.
NERC has equally viewed the adoption of these Practice Directions as a critical step towards enhancing investor confidence, strengthening regulatory enforcement, and promoting the timely and efficient resolution of disputes within the Edo State electricity market.
