Tensions rose at the National Assembly on Monday as citizens staged a protest demanding the confirmation of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) chairperson. Demonstrators accused lawmakers of delaying the appointment, warning that the delay hampers reforms in the country’s power sector and affects millions of electricity consumers nationwide.
The protest saw hundreds of participants, including civil society groups, electricity consumers’ associations, and concerned citizens, gathered outside the National Assembly complex in Abuja. Chants and banners called on the lawmakers to expedite the confirmation process for the NERC chairperson, stressing the urgent need for effective regulatory leadership in the electricity sector.
One of the protest organizers, told reporters, “The delay in confirming the NERC chair is unacceptable. We are calling on the National Assembly to act swiftly. Millions of Nigerians are suffering from inconsistent electricity supply, and strong leadership at NERC is critical to addressing these challenges.”
The demonstrators also highlighted that prolonged vacancies in regulatory bodies create uncertainty in the sector, discouraging investments and slowing down reforms aimed at improving electricity distribution and tariff management.
Inside the National Assembly, some lawmakers acknowledged receiving petitions from concerned groups and promised to look into the matter. However, no official confirmation date for the NERC chairperson was provided during the session.
Social media platforms quickly picked up videos and images from the protest, with Nigerians expressing support and frustration over the slow pace of confirming key appointments. Analysts have noted that delays in regulatory appointments often affect policy implementation and sectoral reforms, especially in critical areas like electricity.
The protest remained largely peaceful, with security officials deployed to ensure order. Organizers said they would continue to press the National Assembly until a final decision on the confirmation is made.
The protest at the National Assembly underscores growing public impatience with delays in regulatory appointments. With the NERC chairperson yet to be confirmed, Nigerians are urging lawmakers to act swiftly to ensure stability and progress in the nation’s electricity sector.
