The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has tasked the judiciary with ensuring that electricity distribution companies (DisCos) are held accountable for the 112 electricity-related deaths and 95 injuries recorded so far in 2024.
Speaking on Monday at the opening of the 2025 National Seminar on Regulations in the Electricity Power Sector for Judicial Officers in Abuja, Kekere-Ekun described the situation as unacceptable, warning that negligence in the power sector must no longer go unpunished.
The seminar was organised by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI). It had as its theme: “Navigating the Dynamics of Nigeria’s Evolving Electricity Sector.”
Citing NERC’s latest figures, the CJN said the slight reduction from 115 deaths in 2023 to 112 in 2024 showed that systemic lapses, including vandalism, snapped wires, illegal connections, and unsafe working conditions—often tied to DisCos’ negligence—persist dangerously.
“The judiciary must adopt a proactive stance. Operators who flout safety standards must be held responsible. Victims and their families deserve justice. Protecting lives is not only a legal duty but a moral imperative,” Kekere-Ekun stated.
She further emphasised that while NERC is empowered to issue subsidiary legislation, set tariffs, and mediate industry disputes, its powers must be exercised transparently and remain subject to judicial oversight.
“The judiciary must critically scrutinise delegated legislation to prevent arbitrariness. Public interest and participatory governance are essential to regulatory legitimacy and the rule of law,” she added.
NERC Vice Chairman, Dr Musiliu Oseni, also warned that inconsistent judicial interpretations could destabilise the electricity sector and undermine investor confidence.
Citing landmark rulings—including the 2015 case involving the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the 2016 Toluwai case—Oseni recalled how court interventions once paralyzed NERC’s operations until 2019, when an appellate court reversed the judgment.
“Such disruptions stall investments and cripple regulatory authority. Judicial consistency is key to building a stable power sector,” he said.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who also addressed participants, described electricity as vital to Nigeria’s socio-economic progress.
He called for robust legislative reform and more active judicial engagement to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
“The law must evolve to meet the realities of the sector,” Fagbemi said. “Our institutions must evolve with it.”
He pledged the Ministry of Justice’s support for NERC’s mandate and assured of government commitment to strengthening the legal framework governing Nigeria’s power sector.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
