NERC Lauds Edo Court On Fast-track Rules for Power Sector Disputes

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has commeded the Edo State Judiciary for adopting the Edo State High Court Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) Practice Directions, 2026, describing the move as a major step toward resolving long-standing litigation constraints in the power sector.

Introduced under the leadership of the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, the Practice Directions took effect on 25 May 2026.

NERC said the directions are the result of sustained engagement between the Commission and state judiciaries to dismantle procedural bottlenecks that have historically impeded the NESI.

Key features of the Practice Directions aim to accelerate and streamline the handling of electricity market disputes in Edo State.

They include active case management and expedited hearings for all electricity market-related matters, as well as a mandatory requirement that parties exhaust Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms before initiating court proceedings.

The directions also recognise electronic service of court processes via email and WhatsApp as valid, a measure intended to speed up exchanges between parties and the court.

Appeals arising from decisions of the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission are covered by the new rules, which set a 30-day filing period and provide for accelerated hearing timelines.

NERC noted that the Practice Directions further established a dedicated Register of Edo State Electricity Market Claims to be maintained by the Court Registrar, creating a central record intended to improve case tracking and administrative efficiency.

NERC said it viewed the adoption of these Practice Directions as critical to strengthening the legal and regulatory framework that governs the power sector in Edo State.

The Commission added that the reforms are expected to enhance investor confidence, reinforce regulatory enforcement, and promote the timely and efficient resolution of disputes within the Edo State electricity market.