NEMSA Intensifies Nationwide Monitoring, Inspection To Ensure Electrical Safety And Reliability

The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) says it has intensified its nationwide monitoring, testing, and inspection of electrical installations to ensure the safety and reliability of power networks. Mrs Ama Umoren, Head of Communications and Protocol at NEMSA, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday.
She explained that, pursuant to the Electricity Act 2023, NEMSA is mandated to enforce compliance with safety requirements in the construction, operation, and maintenance of electrical power plants, transmission systems, distribution networks, and electrical installations.
“The agency is also required to provide comprehensive technical support services that ensure the efficient production and delivery of safe and reliable electricity supply,” she added.
Umoren noted that, as part of recent field operations, NEMSA officials carried out technical inspections of the Afikpo 33-kilovolt (kV) feeder and the Nibo Injection Substation in Ebonyi State.
She said that during the inspection, 31 critical defects were identified and reported for urgent correction.
“Consequently, the agency directed the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to immediately rectify all identified defects 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 Mr Osita Obiukwu, the observed defects include right-of-way violations, vegetation encroachment,
“Other defects include broken cross-arms, aged, weak, and undersized 33kV overhead conductors with multiple joints,”she said.
Umoren said that the report also noted that several overhead lines were flying over residential and commercial premises, posing serious risks to the public.
According to her, NEMSA has given EEDC four weeks to rectify all identified defects at the Afikpo Injection Substation and other associated networks within the state.
Umoren also said that NEMSA engineers had completed the testing and inspection of transformers in Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto States. Led by Mr Armiyau Muhammad Bello.
She said that the team inspected a 500kVA, 11/0.400kV community transformer substation at New Layout, near Kebbi Capital College, off Sani Abacha Way, Birnin Kebbi.
She said that the team also inspected a 300kVA, 11/0.400kV relief transformer substation at Barakallah Area in Gusau, Zamfara State and a300kVA, 11/0.400kV relief transformer substation at Arkila area in Sokoto State.
“The inspections ensured that these installations met 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,” she said.
Umoren quoted Mr Koproda Cyriacus, Head of NMTS Port Harcourt as saying that the exercise was crucial to maintaining precision and integrity in all instruments used to test and certify electricity meters nationwide.
He said that similar calibration exercises were ongoing across all NEMSA meter testing centres to ensure accuracy in electricity billing and enhance consumer confidence in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
“As the country prepares to receive more investment both foreign and local in the renewable landscape, NEMSA has ramped up pre-energisation inspections of renewable energy installations for electricity generation nationwide,” he said.
Umoren said that Vice President Kashim Shettima who announced the investment at the Nigerian Renewable Energy Innovation Forum 2025 in Abuja, said that the inflow would create over 1,500 direct jobs and accelerate the nation’s clean energy transition.
Commenting on the agency’s role in this process, Mr Aliyu Tahir, Managing Director of NEMSA and Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, stated that the agency was strengthening its field operations through its 21 Inspectorate Field Offices nationwide.
Tahir said that the agency was doing this to ensure that all renewable and conventional power projects met approved standards before connection to the national grid.
According to him, no installation is energised 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,” he said.
He, however, reiterated NEMSA’s unwavering commitment to President Bola Tinubu’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,” he said.