The Federal Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, has highlighted significant challenges confronting the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), particularly the dearth of qualified experts in the power sector.
Speaking at the BusinessDay Power Conference on Friday, Adelabu noted that this shortage is a primary obstacle hindering states from establishing and operating their own electricity regulatory bodies.
“When any state is ready, nobody can impede its progress; it’s up to the state to prepare. NERC is grappling with a severe shortage of experts. This shortfall significantly contributes to states’ reluctance in setting up and managing their own electricity regulators,” he stated.
Adelabu underscored the specialised expertise required to effectively manage and regulate the power sector, emphasising its scarcity nationwide. “The expertise demanded in this sector is not readily available or quickly acquired. It necessitates years of experience and a profound comprehension of the intricacies involved in electricity regulation,” he remarked.
The minister also addressed tariff policy, stating, “Once a state assumes regulatory control, tariff policy becomes its responsibility, and subsidies are under its purview.”
Furthermore, he indicated that NERC aims to retain qualified professionals, which strains the commission’s budget. “We must offer significant compensation to attract the right experts to NERC. This entails providing salaries that are quite competitive to ensure we attract and retain the best talent,” he explained.
Adelabu highlighted the financial burden this poses for state-level regulators, who must compete for the same limited pool of skilled professionals.
“If the federal body is grappling with these issues, states will encounter even greater hurdles. They simply lack the resources and reach to attract such talent,” he added.
This revelation comes at a crucial juncture as Nigeria strives to decentralise its power regulation framework to enhance efficiency and service delivery. The minister’s remarks underscore the urgent need for capacity building within the sector to achieve these ambitious goals.
“Without a solid foundation of skilled experts, both at the federal and state levels, we cannot aspire to develop the robust and reliable power sector that Nigeria requires,” he stressed.
The BusinessDay Power Conference provided a platform for key stakeholders in the power sector to deliberate on these pressing issues and explore collaborative solutions.
Adelabu urged both the public and private sectors to invest in training and development programmes to cultivate the necessary expertise.
“We need a concerted effort to nurture our own experts. This entails investing in education, training, and practical experience. It’s a long-term solution, but it’s the only path to ensure sustainable progress in our power sector,” he noted.
