By Onu Okorie

Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission NERC has disclosed that Edo State has adopted the High Court Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry Practice Directions, 2026. A statement made available to the media yesterday in Abuja said that the step is a significant milestone in strengthening the legal and regulatory framework governing the power sector.

It added that the Practice Directions formally introduced by the Edo State Judiciary under the leadership of the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, took effect on 25 May 2026.

“This milestone is a direct fruition of the Commission’s sustained engagement with state judiciaries to dismantle the litigation bottlenecks that have historically constrained the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry NESI,” says NERC.

The key features of the practice directions include: active case management and expedited hearing of all Edo State electricity market-related matters, mandatory exhaustion of Alternative Dispute Resolution ADR mechanisms before the commencement of court proceedings, recognition of electronic service of court processes via email and WhatsApp as a valid service. Others are streamlined, establishment of a dedicated Register of Edo State electricity market claims to be maintained by the Court Registrar, procedures for appeals arising from the Edo State electrici regulatory commission’s decisions, including a 30-day filing period and accelerated hearing timelines.

NERC noted that the adoption of these Practice Directions is a critical step towards enhancing investor confidence, strengthening regulatory enforcement, and promoting the timely and efficient resolution of disputes within the Edo State electricity market.