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From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
Following the over 31 critical defects detected during the technical inspections of the Afikpo 33kV feeder, Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) has given Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) four weeks to immediately rectify all identified defects at Afikpo Injection Substation and other associated networks within the state.
This is to avert potential hazards that could lead to loss of lives and property.
According to the inspection report submitted to NEMSA headquarters in Abuja by the Enugu Inspectorate Office, led by Engineer Osita Obiukwu, the observed defects include right-of-way violations, vegetation encroachment, broken cross-arms, aged, weak, and undersized 33kV overhead conductors with multiple joints.
The report also noted that several overhead lines were flying over residential and commercial premises, posing serious risks to the public.
In a statement, pursuant to the Electricity Act 2023, NEMSA is mandated to enforce compliance with safety requirements for the construction, operation, and maintenance of electrical power plants, transmission systems, distribution networks, and electrical installations as well as provide comprehensive technical support services that assure the efficient production and delivery of safe and reliable electricity supply.
In line with this mandate, NEMSA has given EEDC four weeks to rectify all identified defects at the Afikpo Injection Substation and other associated networks within the state.
In a related development, NEMSA engineers have completed the testing and inspection of transformers in Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto states. Led by Engineer Armiyau Muhammad Bello, the team inspected a 500kVA, 11/0.400kV community transformer substation at New Layout, near Kebbi Capital College, off Sani Abacha Way, Birnin Kebbi;
a 300kVA, 11/0.400kV relief transformer substation at Barakallah Area, Gusau, Zamfara State; and a 300kVA, 11/0.400kV relief transformer substation at Arkila Area, Sokoto, Sokoto State.
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The inspections ensured that these installations meet NEMSA’s technical regulations and standards before full commissioning.
Similarly, the NEMSA National Meter Test Station (NMTS) in Port Harcourt has successfully completed the final phase of its bi-annual verification and calibration of meter-testing equipment under the supervision of NEMSA Headquarters.
According to Engineer Koproda Cyriacus, head of NMTS Port Harcourt, the exercise was crucial to maintaining precision and integrity in all instruments used to test and certify electricity meters nationwide. He emphasised that similar calibrations are ongoing across all NEMSA meter testing centres to ensure accuracy in electricity billing and enhance consumer confidence in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
“As Nigeria prepares to receive more investment both foreign and local in the renewable landscape, NEMSA has ramped up pre-energization inspections of renewable energy installations for electricity generation nationwide.
Vice President Kashim Shettima who announced the investment at the Nigerian Renewable Energy Innovation Forum 2025 in Abuja, said the inflow would create over 1,500 direct jobs and accelerate the nation’s clean energy transition.
Commenting on the agency’s role in the process, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NEMSA and Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, Engineer Aliyu Tukur Tahir, stated that the agency is strengthening its field operations through its 21 Inspectorate Field Offices nationwide to ensure that all renewable and conventional power projects meet approved standards before connection to the national grid.
“No installation is energized until it meets the required extant regulations for testing, inspection and certification by NEMSA.
“These checks protect people, property, and the reliability of our energy system.” Tahir affirmed.
He reiterated NEMSA’s unwavering commitment to the president’s renewed hope agenda by expanding monitoring capacity, enforcing technical standards and regulation, and deepening collaboration with stakeholders to deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable electricity for all Nigerians.
