The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has commended the Edo State Judiciary for adopting the Edo State High Court (Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry) Practice Directions, 2026.
In a statement, the national electricity regulator said the move marks a significant milestone in strengthening the legal framework governing the power sector.
The new legal framework, which officially took effect on May 25, 2026, was introduced under the leadership of the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa.
According to NERC, this milestone is the direct result of the Commission’s ongoing collaboration with state judiciaries across the country.
It said the initiative aims to dismantle the chronic litigation bottlenecks that have historically slowed down progress and tied up resources within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
“This milestone is a direct fruition of the Commission’s sustained engagement with state judiciaries to dismantle the litigation bottlenecks that have historically constrained the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI),” NERC stated in a statement released on Tuesday, June 23.
NERC highlighted five key features of the Practice Directions rolled out by the Edo State High Court to modernize how electricity-related disputes are handled in the State.
The key features include:
Expedited Hearings: It provides for active case management strategies to fast-track all matters related to the Edo State electricity market.
Mandatory Mediation: It has a strict requirement for parties to exhaust Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms before they can launch formal court proceedings.
Digital Court Processes: The reform provides for modern delivery rules that recognize the electronic service of court documents via email and WhatsApp as legally valid.
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Fast-Tracked Appeals: Streamlined procedures for appeals fighting decisions made by the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, including a strict 30-day filing window and accelerated hearing timelines.
Dedicated Tracking: The establishment of a specialized Register of Edo State Electricity Market Claims to be maintained by the Court Registrar.
NERC said it views the adoption of these Practice Directions as “a critical step towards enhancing investor confidence, strengthening regulatory enforcement, and promoting the timely and efficient resolution of disputes within the Edo State electricity market.”
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X