- NEMSA uncovered 31 safety defects on the Afikpo 33kV feeder and Nibo Substation in Ebonyi, giving EEDC four weeks to fix them.
- The agency also inspected transformers in Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto to prevent failures and ensure compliance with the Electricity Act 2023.
The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) has intensified nationwide inspections, testing, and certification of electrical installations to enhance safety and reliability across the power network.
In a statement on Tuesday, November 4, Ama Umoren, Head of Communications and Protocol, said that NEMSA inspectors had recently identified 31 critical safety defects on the Afikpo 33kV feeder and the Nibo Injection Substation, operated by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) in Ebonyi State.
The inspection, led by Osita Obiukwu from the Enugu Inspectorate Office, identified right-of-way violations, vegetation encroachment, broken cross-arms, undersized conductors, and ageing 33kV lines hanging over homes and businesses.
NEMSA ordered EEDC to fix the defects within four weeks to prevent electrical hazards that could endanger lives and property.
“The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency has intensified its nationwide monitoring, testing, and inspection of electrical installations to ensure safety, stability, and reliability,” the statement read. “During recent field operations, NEMSA officials detected 31 critical defects in Ebonyi State and directed immediate corrective action.”
The agency stated that it enforces safety compliance under the Electricity Act 2023, which mandates it to oversee the construction, operation, and maintenance of power infrastructure while providing technical support to ensure the safe delivery of electricity.
In a related exercise, NEMSA engineers tested and inspected transformers in Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto States to confirm compliance with standards before commissioning.
The team, supervised by Armiyau Bello, inspected a 500kVA transformer at New Layout in Birnin Kebbi, a 300kVA relief substation at Barakallah Area in Gusau, and another 300kVA substation at Arkila Area in Sokoto.
NEMSA stated that the tests aim to reduce transformer failures and outages caused by substandard equipment and installation practices.
Managing Director and Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, Aliyu Tahir, stated that NEMSA is enhancing field operations across its 21 Inspectorate Offices to ensure that all power projects meet approved standards before being connected to the grid.
“No installation is energised until it meets the required regulations for testing, inspection, and certification by NEMSA,” Tahir said. “These checks protect people, property, and the reliability of our energy system.”
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by expanding its monitoring capacity, enforcing standards, and collaborating with stakeholders to deliver safe and reliable electricity to Nigerians.