By Obinna Nwachukwu
The Management of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) and the Ondo State Government have expressed willingness to collaborate in the areas of Technical Standardization, Inspection and Testing of all electrical equipment and materials within the state
This formed part of the resolutions at a virtual meeting held on Monday between officials of the Federal government Agency and those of the Ondo State Government.
NEMSA was established by the NEMSA Act of 2015 ( now Electricity Act 2023) and charged with the mandate of the enforcement of Technical Standards and Regulations, Technical Inspection, Testing and Certification of all categories of electrical installations, electricity meters and instruments to ensure an 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 allied industries in the country.
The Virtual meeting which was held at the instance of the NEMSA Management was chaired by Engr. Aliyu Tukur Tahir, FNSE, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of NEMSA who also doubles as the Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation (CEIF). In attendance were top management staff of the Agency and representatives of the Ondo State government led by the Special Adviser to the State governor on Energy Barr. Tunji
Welcoming the representatives of the Ondo state government to the meeting, Engr. Aliyu Tahir said it was a good development aimed at fostering mutual cooperation between the federal government owned Agency and the Ondo State government, adding that the purpose was to ensure standardization, safety of lives and property in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI)
In his opening remark, leader of the Ondo State government team, Barr, Tunji.. conveyed the commendation of the state governor His Excellency Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to NEMSA Management for inviting them to the meeting stressing that it would lead to a strong collaborative effort in ensuring safety of lives and property in the state.
He said the state government was already collaborating with other federal government agencies in the same regard. According to him, the state government is embarking on a number of projects that would need collaboration with NEMSA.
He expressed willingness of the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (OSERB) to work with NEMSA harmoniously to ensure standardization, inspection, testing of electrical installations within Ondo State. He emphasized the need for an MOU to guide collaboration, which can serve as the template for other state governments to emulate.
Responding, the MD/CEO & CEIF, appreciated the team for attending the meeting. He expressed the hope that the planned collaboration will enhance smooth operation in the power sector.
It was concluded that a team would be set up with membership drawn from NEMSA and the Ondo State government. The team is expected come up with suggestions on the possible areas of collaboration.