The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has sought review of the Electricity Regulation Act, 2023, stating that the technical aspect of the electricity supply industry was not properly articulated in the new law.

It pointed out that there is a conflict between the powers of the national body and those of the state government on power generation that must be resolved.

The body submitted that reviewing the law would improve visibility of engineers and increase their participation in developing the economy.

Engineer Emeritus and don, Prof. Oyapele Beredugo, made the call yesterday in Port Harcourt at the NSE  2023/ Nigeria Content Workshop with the theme, ‘A technical Analysis of the Electricity Act, 2023, the pros/cons and way forward ‘

He said: “For the moment, we seem to be on the side, and other people are taking over our duties and responsibilities. It is quite necessary that if Nigeria must develop, we need engineers to be in the driving seat in key aspects of the economy dealing with engineering and engineering practice.

“There is considerable need for a review of the new Act. The technical aspect of the electricity supply industry has not been properly articulated in the new Act, and we expect that after this workshop and subsequent discussions, these issues will be thrashed out with competent engineers, not lawyers driving the Act.”

Executive secretary of Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Simbi Wabote, in his message, explained that the Act was conceived as an improved package to address inadequacies of precursor.

“We now have decentralisation, making room for state electricity marketers to emerge, and the enthronement of a rule and contract-based Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI),” he added.

Also speaking, the Committee Chairman for the 2023 workshop, Nnanna Okaegbu, explained that the event was to deepen knowledge and challenge engineers to take their pride of place.

Chairman, NSE Port Harcourt branch, Idaeresoari Harriet Ateke, added that the workshop was aimed at enlightening the public on the need for engineers to be at the vanguard of economic development, especially the technological and innovative areas, stating: “Engineers are meant to be driving the economic process.”