The Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Musiliu Oseni, has described the frequent collapse of the national power grid as a source of national shame.

Oseni made the statement on Monday in Abuja during the opening of the 2026 NERC Seminar for Judges, where he revealed that the Commission has stepped up oversight of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) project, which is expected to enhance the stability and reliability of the power grid.

He explained that the recent creation of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) made it necessary to engage the judiciary on the operational rules and regulatory framework governing the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

“The Commission has intensified supervision of the SCADA project to curb the persistent grid collapses, which have become a national embarrassment,” Oseni said.

He added that NERC is also advancing key initiatives such as developing a regulatory framework to attract private investment into transmission infrastructure, supporting the real sector of the economy, and establishing clusters of excellence with access to dependable electricity supply. He also disclosed that customer care clinics have been set up across all distribution companies to improve service delivery.

In her remarks while declaring the seminar open, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, said the programme was aimed at strengthening judicial understanding of electricity regulation, administrative compliance, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

According to her, the engagement comes at a pivotal time in Nigeria’s power sector, which is undergoing extensive regulatory reforms, rapid technological advancement, and increasing demand for clarity and consistency in judicial interpretation of electricity laws.

She noted that ongoing legislative reforms, policy shifts, increased private sector participation, and the gradual decentralisation of regulatory authority to states have significantly heightened the complexity of electricity-related cases before the courts.

“The Judiciary has a crucial role in interpreting statutes, reviewing regulatory actions, and resolving disputes in ways that foster legal certainty, economic efficiency, and public trust,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, represented by the Director of Distribution, Mustapha Babaumara, said the electricity market is undergoing a major transition characterised by evolving regulatory frameworks, greater decentralisation, and an expanding role for sub-national stakeholders.