Power sector is in bad shape – NERC boss

The Nigerian power sector is in a bad shape and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) must do the right thing in the interest of the sector.

Speaking while resuming office in Abuja yesterday, the Vice Chairman of NERC, Engineer Sanusi Garba said he would try to balance interests of the electricity customers with that of the industry operators.

Barely thirteen months after the exit of Dr. Sam Amadi-led team of Commissioners, six new Commissioners led by Garba were inaugurated and have resumed duty at the NERC yesterday.

The Commissioners were prior to their resumption inaugurated by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, who charged them take head long some of the challenges in the power sector.

The Federal Government is yet to forward its nominee for Chairman of the Commission following the nonappearance of Professor Akinwumi Akinwande at the Senate for screening and confirmation.

The immediate past acting Chairman, Dr. Anthony Akah, mni, gave account of the 13 months when he was at the helm of affairs at the Commission.

He explained that enforcement activities and consumer rights took the front burners when he was at the saddle at the Commission.

He further urged the new commissioners to make enforcements and rights of the electricity customer as priority issues so as to maintain the Commission’s integrity as an unbiased umpire.

The new set of Commissioners include Engineer Sanusi Garba, Professor Frank Okafor, Mr. Dafe Akpeneye, Mr. Nathan Rogers Shatti, Dr Moses Arigu and Dr. Musiliu Oseni Olalekan.