NERC takes stand against corruption, declares zero tolerance for wrongdoing in financial matters, customer relations, license applications

Oredola Adeola

In a bid to entrench a new era of accountability and integrity within the Nigerian electricity industry, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has declared its zero tolerance for corruption not only in financial matters but also in customer relations and license applications, geared towards restoring trust and confidence in the system.

Sanusi Garba, NERC Chairman emphasised this in his remark during the inauguration of additional members to the NERC Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) and sensitization for NERC staff by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

EnergyDay gathered that the inauguration of additional members increased the number of NERC’s ACTU members to six.

According to him, within NERC itself, we have zero tolerance for corruption.

Sanusi said, “When I say that it is not only in terms of procurement or handling funds, but also in our relationship with customers who come to forum offices to complain and those who come into NERC to apply for licenses and permits to do business.”

“We are guided by the law that established the NERC to be transparent in what we do. We are accountable to the consumers of the product that we regulate, which is electricity,” the NERC Chairman said.

This announcement comes as a ray of hope for those who have suffered from the corrupt tendencies of public officials, especially in the issuance and facilitation of licenses, the statement of the NERC Chairman, reaffirmed the commission’ determination to root out corruption for a more just and equitable electricity sector in Nigeria.

EnergyDay gathered that the ICPC established Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) in various government agencies, including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to examine and review corruption-prone processes and procedures in their respective agencies and to educate staff on and against bribery, corruption, and related offenses.

The NERC ACTU consisted of junior and senior staff committees as well as public procurement committees responsible for implementing and monitoring ethics and integrity in the commission.