The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) has issued a final directive to electricity distribution companies (DisCos) across the country to replace outdated and weak distribution networks in their franchise areas within the next seven days. This comes after a two-month notice was previously given to the companies to carry out the necessary upgrades to ensure safe and efficient electricity distribution.
Tukur Aliyu, the Managing Director and Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, made this announcement during a press briefing on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the 2024 Customer Service Week event in Abuja. Aliyu explained that the decision to issue a fresh seven-day deadline followed the discovery that many of the country’s distribution networks were aging and in poor condition. This, he said, had led to safety concerns and prompted NEMSA to step in and order upgrades to prevent accidents and improve service delivery.
Aliyu also pointed to a recent electrocution incident in Calabar, Cross River State, which had triggered a specific order to the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) to upgrade certain sections of its network. However, after two inspections, NEMSA found that PHED had not completed the necessary work to meet safety standards. “We were there (Calabar) two times to ensure that what we asked them to do was done, but we were surprised that they had not done it,” Aliyu said. As a result, NEMSA issued an enforcement notice to PHED and extended the directive to all DisCos across the country after identifying similar issues in networks nationwide.
The Managing Director said that the two-month deadline given to the utilities was set to expire next week, and NEMSA officials would soon begin monitoring the progress of the repairs and upgrades. “Our officers are already on the ground and will swing into action to monitor those places and get back to us at the headquarters,” Aliyu noted, stressing that any failure to comply would result in further action against the erring companies.
During the event, which was organized to mark Customer Service Week, Aliyu emphasized the importance of teamwork and high standards of service delivery within NEMSA. He highlighted that the agency’s objective was to go “above and beyond” in its responsibilities to electricity consumers, stating that the goal of the week-long celebration was to ensure that services provided by the agency transcend normal operations. “Our service processes and delivery should transcend our normal mode of carrying out our functions,” Aliyu said.
Aliyu also urged electricity consumers to always hire certified electricians when carrying out electrical installations. This, he explained, would ensure that any issues related to electrical work could be traced back to a qualified professional, which is crucial for safety and accountability. “To effectively mitigate this hazard, we have technical standards and these are the ones that will ensure they are enforced,” Aliyu added. “The first thing to do is to ensure that your electric installation is carried out by certified personnel.”
The event also featured remarks from Mrs. Nnenna Akajemeli, National Coordinator of SERVICOM, who noted that the 2024 Customer Service Week theme, “Above and Beyond,” emphasized exceeding expectations in all aspects of service delivery. Akajemeli highlighted the importance of boosting morale and encouraging teamwork within organizations, particularly in critical sectors like electricity, where safety and customer satisfaction are paramount.
As the deadline for the DisCos approaches, the pressure is now on the utility companies to demonstrate their commitment to the safety and well-being of Nigerian electricity consumers by complying with NEMSA’s directive and upgrading their networks without delay.
