To arrest cases of blow outs in power installations and homes, the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) has vowed to enforce technical standards and regulations in the power sector.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEMSA, Engr Aliyu Tukur Tahir, stated this in an interview with Daily Sun on the sidelines of the Roundtable for Legislative, Judiciary and Other Stakeholders on the Enforcement of Technical Standards, Regulations and Mandate of NEMSA held in Lagos at the weekend.

Tahir explained that the mandate of NEMSA is very crucial to Nigeria’s socio-economic development because power remains at the hub of industrial development, saying electricity is a good servant but a bad master because it is associated with hazards if wrongly used.

He noted that hazards with the use of electricity must be well mitigated, hence the development of standards and regulations by NEMSA to ensure that those that work within the power sector value chain abide by the rules guiding the use and deployment of electricity in a safe manner.

He said the enforcement of these technical standards and regulations are to guide experts on how to carry out installation works, fix conductors and cables, including electrical wiring.

He stated that NEMSA having developed the technical standards and codes for the power sector will be going all out to enforce them, warning that those who plan to circumvent the process should be ready to face the wrath of the law.

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On meter installers, the NEMSA warned Nigerians not to engage quacks for any form of installation, saying the consequences of trying to cut corners in this regard may be grave.

He said anyone carrying out any form of installation must be skilled, competent and certified, adding that there has been an ongoing certification exercise co-ordinated by NEMSA.

Tahir disclosed that the names of certified electrical contractors  are available on the NEMSA website for members of public to engage.

Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of State, Power, Mr. Goddy Jedy-Agba, represented by the  Director, Distribution, Ministry of Power, Engr Briskilla Sapke, disclosed that the agency was established by the NEMSA Act, 2015 to carry out the functions of enforcement of technical standards and regulations, technical inspection, testing and certifications of aa categories of electrical installations, electricity meters and instruments to ensure the efficient production and delivery of safe, reliable and sustainable electricity power supply and guarantee safety of lives and property in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry(NESI) and other allied industries/workplaces.

T actualize its mandate, he said NEMSA has recognized the need for continuous sensitization to improve the awareness of all stakeholders, particularly the key actors comprising of the Executive, Legislators and Judiciary through round table discussions to enlighten them and other stakeholders on the legal framework of the enforcement powers of NEMSA.

Others include; to create awareness on the importance of the mandate/functions of the agency in order to ensure electrical safety requirements are maintained at all times in the NESI, homes, offices among others.