Oredola Adeola
Nigerian judges have taken a proactive step towards enhancing legal competence within the judicial system by embarking on a comprehensive training program organized by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), aimed at equipping judges and other participants with essential knowledge regarding the recently enacted Nigerian Electricity Act 2023 and emerging legal issues relating to the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
The ongoing 4th Seminar for Judges, which commenced on Tuesday in Abuja, is a three-day workshop designed to provide participants with the tools needed to render informed judgments that will foster a favorable climate for heightened private investment in Nigeria’s power sector.
Advisors Reports gathered that the training program is a proactive move by the Nigerian judiciary and NERC to bolster legal competence within the system.
The program is expected to equip judges with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle legal issues relating to the power sector effectively.
NERC stated that by deepening their comprehension, the jurists can also contribute to the development of a more robust energy infrastructure and promote sustainable economic growth.
The power sector regulator also stated that it is committed to ensuring that all stakeholders—including members of the judiciary—are equipped with the requisite skills to navigate the complexities inherent in the country’s evolving electricity market.
NERC also noted that the seminar is a significant step towards enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency across the entire value chain of Nigeria’s burgeoning power industry.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, represented by the NJI Administrator, Hon. Justice Salisu Garba, in a keynote address at the opening ceremony stated that electricity sector is very important to the Nigerian economy.
According to him, the power sector is one that has far-reaching implications for the growth and prosperity of our country.
Speaking on the “Challenges of Electricity Customers in Nigeria: Insights from the Judiciary and other Perspectives from the Field” the CJN said, “The theme of this workshop seeks to draw our attention to some of the current realities, especially realities that are necessitated by the activities in the electricity and energy sector and how these affect judicial officers in their dual capacities as citizens and as administrators of justice according to law.”
Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power while delivering a key address at the opening ceremony, stated that the Electricity Act 2023 introduces far reaching features that propel market liberalisation.
He added that the new Act extends regulatory reach and establishes a more coherent policy framework that will mitigate the operational and systemic risks in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
He said, “The Nigerian judiciary has helped the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry(NESI) with notable pronouncements and the act of the judiciary goes far in attracting private investment in the power sector.
“This seminar is a laudable initiative of the Commission geared towards building the capacity of the Nigerian bench towards achieving the desired objective of predictable, clear and logical judicial precedent in matters affecting the power sector,” the Minister of Power said.
Sanusi Garba, NERC Chairman, in his remarks during the opening ceremony stated that we started the day with a presentation that may be described as Electricity 101 and the next two days will focus on typical industry issues by very distinguished professors, lawyers, investors including the architects of the Electricity Act.
“The key objective of the seminar is to stimulate a discourse on emerging legal issues relating to the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) and to appraise the judiciary of the recent changes in the regulatory landscape,” the NERC Chairman said.
Mr. Garba therefore emphasised that the stakeholders will during the seminal evolve strategies aimed at eradicating patches of darkness in Nigeria
Hon. Justice Salisu Garba, Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), in his comment at seminar said that “Considering the statutory mandate of both the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and NJI, the theme of this seminar aligns perfectly with recent reforms and innovations emerging from the amended Constitution, and the Electricity Act
He further noted that judicial officers must not only understand the process and policies of government in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) but also comprehend the contexts in which the Nigerian electricity policies are meant to be applied.
He therefore emphasised that the workshop is tailored for capacity building of judicial officers on the evolving issues in the NESI.
