ASSESSMENT OF THE LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR ELECTRICITY GOVERNANCE AND CONSUMER PROTECTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Constant electricity power supply is a major requirement for economic development of any country as it earns a high premium in enhancing the quality of life of the citizens. Over the years, Nigerians have endured electricity outages, notwithstanding attempts by successive administrations to regulate the power sector. Electricity supply has been underwhelming, with national grid breakdowns and system shutdowns becoming the new normal. The players in the sector have not been able to meet the nation’s growing demand for electricity for decades. Adopting the doctrinal research methodology, this article argued that despite Nigeria’s seeming abundance of natural resources, the country’s power sector is fraught with challenges, such as high tariff, inadequate consumer protection, financial incapacity, deficient regulatory framework, inadequate infrastructure, etc. The article also argued that the potential for economic growth is strictly inhibited by unreliable electricity supply, due to the gap between demand and supply. It found that most electricity consumers, particularly the low incomed are not conscious of their legal rights and the available mechanisms for redress. It also found that the Electricity Act (EA) 2023 aimed to arouse measures to improve power generation, transmission, and distribution capacity of the relevant players in the electricity industry, as well as provide for up-to-date standards in fast-tracking power generation by broadening the power sector to embrace renewable energy sources for sustainable energy transition. The article concluded that despite the provisions of the EA for facilitating public, private partnerships (PPPs), there is still the need for further improvements in the regulation to tackle Nigeria's tenacious electricity issues that supports the country’s economy outside oil and industrial sector.