By Hosea Parah, Abuja

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced plans to celebrate its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of regulatory leadership, sectoral reforms, and institutional growth in Nigeria’s electricity supply industry.

Established on October 31, 2005, under the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA), NERC has been pivotal in transforming the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI)—from supervising the unbundling and privatisation of the power sector to steering market operations under the Electricity Act 2023.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Commission said the anniversary activities will showcase its achievements, foster stakeholder engagement, and outline a forward-looking roadmap for Nigeria’s power sector. The events will bring together representatives from government agencies, industry players, development partners, and consumer groups to assess the sector’s progress and strategise for future development.

Speaking ahead of the commemoration, NERC Vice Chairman, Dr. Musiliu Oseni, described the anniversary as both a celebration and a renewal of the Commission’s mandate.“This 20th Anniversary is not just a milestone—it’s a reaffirmation of our commitment to protect consumers, encourage investment, and maintain a fair and competitive electricity market in Nigeria,” Dr. Oseni said. “We remain dedicated to advancing reforms that deliver real value to Nigerians.”

According to the statement, the anniversary lineup includes a technical session with power sector experts, a health and wellness programme, a debate competition for secondary school students on energy conservation, and a commemorative dinner to honour pioneer staff, deceased employees, and past chairmen and commissioners.

NERC noted that the celebration will not only provide an opportunity to reflect on 20 years of progress but also to deepen collaboration and drive innovation within the electricity sector.

Looking ahead, the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to effective regulation in the public interest—striking a balance between consumer protection and investor confidence while supporting Nigeria’s energy transition and sustainable growth goals.