News Investigators/ Sam Amadi, former Chairman, Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has called for stronger independence for the commission to effectively carry out its mandate of regulating the power sector.
His remarks followed the recent appointment of Mr Abdullahi Ramat as Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NERC by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, Amadi who is the Director, Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, emphasised the need for NERC to be free from undue external influence.
According to him, while the Electricity Act guarantees the commission’s independence in theory, the reality is often different.
“The NERC iis in practice, still subject to external pressures that limit its effectiveness.
“The true test of independence lies in how the commission manages its relationships—with the power industry, the Ministry, the Presidency, and the National Assembly,”he said.
Prof. Amadi, a policy strategist, law and governance expert, said that regulatory effectiveness required both internal capacity and external respect for the commission’s autonomy.
“A good regulator must possess industry knowledge, professionalism, and integrity,” he said.
“At the same time, the government must respect the regulator’s independence and competence. That mutual respect is essential.”
Reflecting on his tenure as the pioneer chairman of NERC, Amadi said the commission was able to maintain a certain degree of autonomy.
“We have a president and an administration that understood the value of an independent regulator.
“They recognise that we can disagree respectfully with government positions.
“Our decisions are guided by facts and science not political convenience,”he said.
“On several occasions, I advised against certain government positions, and those views were accepted.
“We made choices that may not have been politically popular but were necessary and justified.
“The government supported us because we stood on clear principles and showed courage.”
On the appointment of Ramat and other new commissioners, Amadi said: “I do not have any information about the new chairman or commissioners.
“I hope they are open to learning and willing to bridge any knowledge gaps.
“I will be watching to see how they perform, and I wish them all the best.”
NAN
