- Aisha Mahmud from NERC promised that only necessary costs would be passed to electricity consumers.
- Angela Ajere from Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc supported the meeting, saying it will help solve consumer issues.
Aisha Mahmud, the Commissioner for Consumer Affairs at the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has assured Nigerian electricity consumers that the commission is committed to passing prudent costs to them when setting tariffs.
During a three-day town hall meeting in Calabar, Mahmud emphasised that NERC’s primary goal is to ensure fair pricing while maximising access to electricity, which she described as a fundamental right for all Nigerians.
Mahmud explained that the town hall meetings are part of NERC’s broader initiative to address and resolve consumer complaints effectively. She noted that similar meetings have been conducted successfully in various regions of the country, highlighting their role in fostering better communication between the regulatory body and consumers
“We are here to resolve problems as we have done in several parts of the country, which have been a huge success,” Mahmud said. She assured attendees that complaints would be addressed immediately, except for issues requiring technical investigation. This approach aims to provide immediate relief and improve overall consumer satisfaction.
Angela Ajere, a representative of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc, supported the initiative and expressed the distribution company’s readiness to resolve consumer complaints. Ajere highlighted the importance of the meeting, noting that it represents a collaborative effort between NERC and the distribution company to benefit both consumers and the utility provider.
The town hall meeting in Calabar was designed to allow consumers to voice their concerns directly to regulatory and distribution officials. Mahmud’s presence and Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc’s commitment reflect ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s electricity sector.
Ajere welcomed the town hall meeting as a constructive opportunity for engagement, emphasising that resolving consumer complaints is a shared goal. The collaboration between NERC and electricity distribution companies aims to improve service delivery and address supply and billing issues.
The town hall meeting underscores NERC’s dedication to ensuring that electricity consumers are fairly treated and their concerns are promptly addressed. By holding these meetings and working closely with distribution companies, NERC seeks to strengthen its role in regulating the sector and improving the quality of electricity service in Nigeria.