From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Tuesday, commenced a three-day capacity-building programme for members of its Forum Offices across the country.
The training, which was themed: “Strengthening Forum Members in Delivering Quality Rulings and Resolution of Complaints,” is designed to enhance the capacity of Forum Members in effectively adjudicating customer complaints and resolving disputes within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
Welcoming participants to the programme in Abuja, the Chairman of NERC, Dr. Musiliu Oseni, commended the Forum Members for their commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and improving service delivery by Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos).
Oseni, who was represented by the Director, Economic Regulation Division, Mr. Abba Terab, said continuous capacity building had become imperative to keep Forum Members abreast of rapid developments in the electricity market.
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“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, the Commissioner in charge of Stakeholder Management Division (SMD), Mrs. Aisha Mahmud, described the contributions of Forum Members as invaluable to both the Commission and electricity consumers nationwide.
Mahmud, represented by the Head, International Relations and Stakeholder Secretariat, SMD, Mrs. Regina Osuagwu, noted that the sector had witnessed significant reforms in recent years, making continuous training essential for effective complaint resolution.
She said, there have been numerous developments within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, and this training provides an opportunity to discuss these changes extensively. Enhancing the understanding of the industry will support informed and balanced decision-making in the roles at the Forum Offices.
According to the Commission, key sessions scheduled for the training include Understanding Electricity Sector Decentralisation under the Electricity Act 2023; Electricity Infrastructure Vandalism in Nigeria: Causes, Consequences and Solutions; Promoting Effective Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships through the Forum of Nigerian Electricity Regulators (FONER); and The Role of the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Order in Driving Compliance with Forum Decisions.
The training is expected to improve the quality of rulings and ensure quicker, fairer resolution of complaints, which remains a major concern for electricity consumers across the country.
NERC Forum Offices serve as independent complaint-resolution platforms established nationwide to hear appeals and disputes between electricity consumers and DisCos, after consumers have exhausted the complaint resolution process at their respective DisCos’ Customer Complaints Units (CCUs).
