EXAMINATION OF THE CHALLENGES TO ELECTRICITY CONSUMERS PROTECTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Public electricity supply in Nigeria has persistently demonstrated grave disregard for consumers welfare. This problem was largely attributed to the absence of statutory protection. For over a century after electricity generation began in Nigeria in 1896, there were no statutory protection of any significance for electricity consumers. To address this challenge, the Federal Government of Nigeria enacted the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005 which introduced a regime of consumersprotection in the electric power sector. This framework was further strengthened with the enactment of Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 and several regulations made pursuant to these laws. Despite the legal framework, electricity consumers in the country continue to suffer inordinate hike in electricity tariff, outrageous estimated billing, unscheduled power outages and illegal disconnection. It is on this backdrop that this paper employs empirical research methodology and critically examined the underlaying causes of persistent consumer exploitation despite the statutory safeguards. through this examination, the paper found that the legal framework although reasonably adequate however the lack of enforcement exacerbated by lack of knowledge of electricity consumers rights are major setback to electricity consumer protection. The paper recommended the amendment of the Electricity Act, 2023 to explicitly provide for consumer rights; the regulatory institutions should step up enforcement of the laws, enhance consumer education and awareness as well as facilitate consumers participation in regulation to build and reinforce consumers capability to advocate for consumer interests.