NERC, GIZ Advance Talks on Anti-vandalism Measures, Boosting Electricity Supply

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and GIZ’s Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP) discussed efforts to address power infrastructure vandalism and support embedded generation during a meeting on Monday.

The talks occurred during a courtesy visit by a GIZ delegation to NERC in Abuja, led by head of Component for Sustainable Energy Planning and Access, under NESP, Milos Karic, as noted in NERC’s official X update.

NERC’s X post outlined that joint initiatives, include stakeholder workshops on curbing vandalism and working with Distribution Companies (DisCos) on embedded generation to improve supply reliability within franchise areas.
The GIZ team expressed readiness to explore new areas of collaboration with the Commission. They highlighted ongoing joint initiatives, including work on the Net-Billing Regulations and stakeholder workshops focused on curbing vandalism of power infrastructure. The delegation also noted that GIZ is currently working with some Distribution Companies (DisCos) on embedded generation initiatives aimed at improving reliability and expanding supply within franchise areas.
These efforts allow DisCos to host on-site power plants within their franchise areas, promising improved reliability, reduced losses, and expanded supply without overhauling the national grid.

In his remarks, the chairman of NERC, Dr Musiliu Oseni, appreciated the GIZ team for their sustained support and collaboration with the Commission.
He noted that the partnership between NERC and GIZ produced one of the best mini-grid regulations in Africa, describing it as a benchmark for enabling off-grid electrification and expanding access to electricity.
He called for continued collaboration to further strengthen regulatory frameworks and support the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
“The partnership between NERC and GIZ produced one of the best mini-grid regulations in Africa, a benchmark for enabling off-grid electrification and expanding access to electricity,” Dr Oseni said.
He added, “We call for continued collaboration to further strengthen regulatory frameworks and support the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).”
The GIZ team expressed interest in new areas of partnership. “We are ready to explore new areas of collaboration with the Commission,” Karic noted, highlighting ongoing work on Net-Billing Regulations and DisCo initiatives.

The visit reaffirmed the partnership between NERC and GIZ, with a focus on regulatory development, electricity access, and sector sustainability.

With Nigeria’s power woes affecting millions, these steps aim to enhance reliability, cut losses, and boost sustainability.The partnership reaffirms commitments to innovation amid challenges like grid instability and funding gaps, positioning NESI for growth.