The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer and Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), Engr. Olusegun Adesayo, has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in the electrical contracting industry to enhance professionalism, safety standards, and regulatory compliance within Nigeria’s electricity sector.
Engr. Adesayo made this known during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN) to the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Welcoming the delegation, the NEMSA boss expressed appreciation to the Association for its congratulatory message on his appointment and for the visit, describing it as a reflection of partnership, mutual respect, and shared responsibility toward advancing professionalism and safety in the nation’s electrical sector.
“As you are aware, NEMSA, pursuant to the Electricity Act, is mandated to enforce technical standards and regulations, carry out technical inspection, testing, and certification of electrical installations, meters, instruments, and related equipment in order to guarantee the safety of lives and property while ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable electricity supply across the nation,” he stated.
Engr. Adesayo noted that LECAN occupies a strategic position in the realization of NEMSA’s mandate, particularly as licensed practitioners and frontline operators within the electrical contracting ecosystem.
He stressed that concerns capable of strengthening the system, improving stakeholder confidence, and enhancing service delivery would continue to receive objective consideration from the Agency.
The NEMSA the MD/CEO further acknowledged issues raised by the Association, including the need for stronger institutional collaboration, concerns relating to industry practices, professional conduct, inspection processes, revenue assurance, and the integrity of metering, documentation, and certification procedures.
He assured the Association that the current management of NEMSA remains committed to transparency, professionalism, accountability, and fairness in all its operations.
According to him, future collaboration between NEMSA and LECAN would focus on strengthening compliance with electrical standards and regulations, eliminating quackery and substandard electrical installations, enhancing technical inspection and certification processes, promoting public sensitization on electrical safety, supporting capacity building and continuous professional development, improving accountability in metering and installation certification, and promoting ethical conduct across the industry.
“This vision can only be achieved through strategic partnerships with credible professional bodies such as LECAN,” he said.
Engr. Adesayo also reiterated his administration’s commitment to accessibility and open engagement with genuine stakeholders for the advancement of the electricity sector and the safety of Nigerians.
“As an Agency, our vision remains clear to build an electricity ecosystem that is safe, reliable, efficient, and globally compliant,” he added.
The NEMSA boss, however, expressed concern over certain practices relating to the handling of electrical certification forms, particularly the improper use of Form 74.
He observed that some individuals collect fees and stamp documents without carrying out the necessary technical procedures and inspections required under the law.
“My concern is on this issue of Form 74. Some people simply collect money, stamp the form, and do nothing, whereas the form contains critical areas such as earth resistance testing and other technical requirements. In some cases, instead of carrying NEMSA’s authorization, the forms are being branded under LECAN, which is contrary to the provisions of the Electricity Act,” he said.
He advised the Association to make membership more open and attractive rather than compulsory, emphasizing the importance of sensitizing members on professionalism and compliance.
Engr. Adesayo assured the Association of NEMSA’s readiness to collaborate through stakeholder engagement and sensitization programmes aimed at improving standards and strengthening compliance across the industry.
Responding, the President of LECAN, Mr. Vitus Ofodum Ikenna, pledged the Association’s loyalty and support to NEMSA in line with legislative provisions, regulatory standards, and global best practices.
He congratulated Engr. Adesayo on his appointment and expressed confidence in his leadership and commitment to sustaining a safer and more efficient electricity industry.
“We know and we are sure that you and your colleagues will do well to uphold a sustainable electricity industry that we all will enjoy,” he said.
Mr. Ikenna further assured the NEMSA management that the Association would continue to work closely with the Agency, leveraging technical knowledge and constructive engagement to promote peaceful coexistence, professionalism, and improved industry practices.
He described the visit as the beginning of a productive relationship between NEMSA and LECAN and expressed optimism that the collaboration would yield positive outcomes for the electricity sector.
Signed:
Ama Umoren Mrs.
Head Public Affairs
NEMSA