By Stella Odueme
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has commenced a three-day capacity-building programme for members of its Forum Offices nationwide to improve their handling of consumer complaints and disputes in the electricity sector.
The training, which began on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, is themed “Strengthening Forum Members in Delivering Quality Rulings and Resolution of Complaints.”
The programme is aimed at strengthening the capacity of Forum Members to adjudicate customer complaints effectively and resolve disputes between electricity consumers and Distribution Companies (DisCos).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, NERC Chairman, Dr. Musiliu Oseni, represented by the Director of the Economic Regulation Division, Mr. Abba Terab, commended the participants for their commitment to protecting consumer rights and improving service delivery in the electricity sector.
According to information on NERC X handle, Oseni stressed the need for continuous capacity development to keep Forum Members informed about changes in the legal and regulatory framework governing the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
He said regular training would equip them with the knowledge required to discharge their responsibilities effectively and resolve disputes between consumers and DisCos.
“It is important that we continue to strengthen your capacity and keep you abreast of developments within the electricity market, particularly changes in the legal and regulatory framework. This will ensure that you are well informed and better equipped to discharge your responsibilities in resolving customer disputes with the DisCos,” he said.
Also speaking, NERC Commissioner for Stakeholder Management Division, Mrs. Aisha Mahmud, represented by the Head of International Relations and Stakeholder Secretariat in the division, Mrs. Regina Osuagwu, described the contributions of Forum Members as vital to the commission and electricity consumers across the country.
She noted that ongoing reforms in the electricity sector had made continuous training necessary to ensure effective and informed resolution of customer complaints.
According to her, the programme provides an opportunity for participants to examine developments in the industry and deepen their understanding of the regulatory environment to support fair and balanced decisions.
“There have been numerous developments within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, and this training provides an opportunity to discuss these changes extensively. Enhancing your understanding of the industry will support informed and balanced decision-making in your roles at the Forum Offices,” she stated.
The training features sessions on electricity sector decentralisation under the Electricity Act 2023, infrastructure vandalism and its implications, effective stakeholder engagement through the Forum of Nigerian Electricity Regulators (FONER), and the role of the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Order in ensuring compliance with Forum decisions.
NERC Forum Offices operate as independent platforms for resolving complaints and disputes between electricity consumers and DisCos.
Consumers can approach the offices to appeal unresolved complaints after exhausting the complaint-resolution process at the Customer Complaints Units (CCUs) of their respective electricity distribution companies.