The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) has revealed that 21,681 Electricity Installations Projects inspected and tested, while 13,154 were certified out of it adding that 16,624 electricity Networks were monitored across the country.
NEMSA Managing Director/CEO, Engr Aliyu.T. Tahir who made this known at the Media Luncheon held on Thursday in Abuja, mentioned that 4,921 Factories, Hazardous Installations, Public Places inspected, tested and certified fit, 2,655,488 Electricity Meters Tested and Calibrated and 487 incidences were investigated.
Giving more achievements of the Agency, the MD said NEMSA has successfully obtained re-certification of its Quality Management System (QMS) ISO 9001:2015 standard, issued by the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) on 4th March, 2020.
According to him, “This is a strategic achievement that is already enhancing the overall performance of the agency and providing operational thoroughness and a sound basis for sustainable development initiatives”.
He pressed further that the Agency has successfully been recertified on QMS ISO 9001:2015 standard in March 2023. “NEMSA is thus among the first Govt Agencies to be ISO Certified and successfully undergone its second Post-Certification Surveillance Audit by SON.
Adding that, “NEMSA has also achieved accreditation of its certification of electrical personnel schemes, ISO/IEC 17024 NEMSA has already started process of accrediting its laboratories under ISO/IEC 17025”.
establishment of the Electricity Offenses Tribunal with an in-built appeal system for faster dispensation of electricity related offenses, stating that electricity has become part of necessary of everyday life with great benefit but also associated with hazards, which if misused/abused, a terrible price is paid in injuries, fatalities.
He reiterated the fact that the roles, responsibilities, and functions of NEMSA are very critical in the power sector and at the same time enormous, adding that for effective coverage of the length and breadth of the country, enough engineers and technical personnel are needed.
“Thankfully, the government is doing its bit in this direction. However, with evolving global trend in electricity generation, transmission and distribution, especially as the world is tilting towards renewable energy, there is need for our engineers and technical staff to be trained and retrained. This training will provide the requisite knowledge our engineers need”, he said.
Speaking of the Electricity Act 2023, Engr Aliyu said it strengthened the enforcements powers and responsibilities of the Agency.
“Specifically, section 183 to 184 subsections 8, 9 & 10 states as follows;
“Section 9; Utilities companies or owners and users of electrical inspection or power system and networks, shall notify the NEMSA in writing within 48 hours of the occurrence of any electrical incident, electrocution and or electrical fire for investigation.
“Section 10; Utilities companies electrical installation and network owners shall rectify or make good and safe any defects or anomalies recorded by NEMSA, arising from investigations of electrical accidents and electrocution incidences or technical evaluation.
“And monitoring of electrical installations and networks within four weeks on receipt of reports or as may be specified by NEMSA and any person who violates this [position commits offense and is liable on conviction to fine ranging from one million to five million or imprisonment for a term of 3 years or both”, he said.
NEMSA Boss noted that this increased responsibility comes with challenges which requires more efforts and resources. “And in tackling the challenges, we need the support of all the stakeholders including government at all levels- the executive, the legislature, the judiciary, electricity consumers and the Media
“Establishment of an Electricity Offenses Tribunal with an in-built appeal system for faster dispensation of electricity related offenses. Vest NEMSA Counsel with powers to prosecute electricity offences”, hailed the media for their superb coverage and letting the Agency’s news to be on screens and newspaper pages for the benefit of every Nigerian.
He appealed for more continuous support for NEMSA activities through effective and positive reportage, saying this will give the Agency opportunity of informing the public accurately and timely on the safe use of electricity in the country. “This may reduce the many electricity accidents experienced from time to time”.