NEMSA Strengthens Collaboration to Check Substandard Electrical Products

In a bid to ensure operational safety in the power sector, the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) is intensifying its collaboration with relevant stakeholders to tackle the menace of substandard electrical products.

The agency’s Managing Director, Aliyu Tahir, revealed that NEMSA is working closely with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to enforce technical standards and prevent the importation of inferior electrical materials and equipment.

According to Tahir, the partnership with SON involves the development of safety standards, inspection, and certification of electrical installations, as well as the removal of substandard products from the market. He noted that while NEMSA is not directly involved in customs clearance, the agency relies on SON to identify and confiscate non-compliant products at the point of entry.

In addition to its collaboration with SON, NEMSA is also working with other agencies, including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council and the National Insurance Commission, to ensure that electrical installations meet the required safety standards. The agency is also in talks with the Nigerian Customs Service to address the issue of substandard electrical products being smuggled into the country.

To further enhance operational safety, NEMSA is conducting audits of power operators to ensure compliance with approved procedures and safety requirements. The agency’s investigation into electrical accidents has revealed that many incidents are caused by the failure of utility companies to adhere to safety protocols. As a result, NEMSA is scrutinizing the safety manuals of these companies to ensure that they have adequate procedures in place to prevent accidents.

The agency’s efforts to strengthen operational safety in the power sector are critical to preventing electrical accidents and protecting consumers. By collaborating with relevant stakeholders and enforcing technical standards, NEMSA is taking a proactive approach to addressing the challenges facing the industry and ensuring a safer and more reliable electricity supply.