Sopuruchi Onwuka

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced plans to commemorate its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of regulatory oversight and policy reforms that have shaped the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

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Established on October 31, 2005, under the now-repealed Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA), NERC was created to guide the liberalisation and development of Nigeria’s power sector.

The Commission now operates under the Electricity Act 2023, which strengthened its mandate as an independent regulator responsible for licensing, tariff setting, consumer protection, and market oversight.

Over the past two decades, NERC has played a central role in the unbundling and privatization of the electricity value chain, the establishment of the Nigerian Electricity Market, and the implementation of successive reforms aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainable growth.

To celebrate the milestone, the Commission will host a series of events and stakeholder engagements reflecting on the sector’s progress and charting a forward-looking agenda for Nigeria’s electricity industry. Activities lined up include a technical session and panel discussion featuring leading voices in the power sector, a health and wellness programme, a debate contest on energy-saving practices for secondary school students, and a commemorative dinner to honour pioneer staff, past chairmen, commissioners, and deceased members of the Commission.

Speaking ahead of the anniversary, NERC Vice Chairman Dr. Musiliu Oseni described the celebration as both a milestone and a call to renewed commitment.

“This 20th anniversary is not just a milestone—it’s a reaffirmation of our mandate to protect consumers, promote investment, and ensure a level playing field in Nigeria’s electricity sector,” Oseni said.

“We remain committed to driving reforms that deliver tangible value to Nigerians.”

The Commission said the anniversary provides an opportunity to engage stakeholders from government, industry, development institutions, and consumer advocacy groups on building a reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity market for the country.

As it looks ahead to the next 20 years, NERC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regulatory oversight, improving service delivery, and supporting Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more efficient energy systems.