NERC to inaugurate board on local content in power sector

In line with its regulation on national content development for the power sector, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) will today inaugurate an 11-man Nigerian Content Consultative Forum for the country’s electricity supply industry.

The regulation envisages that Nigerian companies are given first considerations for the supply of goods, works and services in the power sector.

This regulation flows from the Federal Government policy on local content, which was first enunciated in the National Electric Power Policy (NEPP) of 2001 that mandates the regulator to ensure local content in all aspects of the electricity market in Nigeria.

Commenting on the significance of the Consultative Forum’s inauguration, Sam Amadi, chairman of NERC, said the regulation “should not be misconstrued as nationalisation, but an attempt at deepening the participation of Nigerians in the emerging electricity industry, as well as stemming capacity flight in the national economy.”

The Forum, which will operate in advisory capacity, will also have membership from industry operators and other stakeholders with background in fabrication, engineering, financial services, as well as law and insurance.

Other areas of critical consideration are information and communication technology, education and training and any other professional services as may be considered by the Commission.

The national content regulation, which was enacted by the NERC in December 2014, mandates the Forum to establish a national data bank for national skills development pool and ranking of service companies on capabilities and Nigerian content.