The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) has stressed the need for adherence to standards and safety in the country’s electricity sector, noting that about 10,692 electricity projects have been certified by the agency.
The organisation, which said misuse of electricity remained dangerous to property and human life, disclosed that since inception, 15,931 projects have been inspected across the country.

Managing Director of NEMSA, Aliyu Tahir, said the certification of projects became necessary to mitigate electricity related hazards.
Tahir, who disclosed this in Abuja said: “We have monitored 12,114 existing networks and power systems nationwide which is part of the agency’s mandate. Over 3,255 electrical installations at factories, hazardous installations have been inspected by NEMSA.

“There has been a significant increase in the total number of manufacturers of electric concrete poles certified in Nigeria. It has risen from 21 in 2016 to 143 in 2021.”
He said designed technical standards, regulations and codes have ensured reliable and safe electricity supply in the country.

“Electricity has become a necessary part of our everyday life and is of great benefit to us. However, it is associated with hazards, which if misused/abused, a terrible price is paid in injuries, fatalities, equipment damage, and unscheduled down time; For safe, reliable and sustainable Electricity Supply, it is paramount that the associated hazards are effectively mitigated.

“Mitigating the hazards of electricity to make it safe, reliable and sustainable, led to the development of technical standards, regulations and codes. The developed technical standards, regulations and codes can only be impactful if effectively enforced, thus the establishment of NEMSA,” Tahir said.
Going forward, Tahir said despite the challenge of inadequate funding, the agency would straighten its base through some strategic plans.

“One of such strategic plans is to build or acquire NEMSA’s permanent Headquarters in Abuja. NEMSA has been operating on a rented building for eight years and the priority of the new Management in NEMSA is to move into its permanent Head office soonest.
“​Another major step taken under this strategic plan is to create more Inspectorate Field Offices in all States in Nigeria. This is to provide the agency wider coverage across the country,” he noted.