The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has bemoaned incessant deaths and injuries in Nigeria’s electricity sector and vowed that the judiciary will henceforth intervene to curb the ugly trend.
Justice Kekere-Ekun recalled that in 2024 alone, 112 electricity-related deaths involving Nigerians were recorded along with 95 others who suffered various degrees of injuries in the same year.
The CJN spoke on Monday in Abuja at the 2025 National Seminar on Regulations in the Electricity Power Sector organised for judicial officers in the country by the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
Apparently unhappy with the trend, Justice Kekere-Ekun said that the judiciary must take a proactive stance in enforcing safety regulations in the electricity sector.
According to her, operators who fail to
comply with safety reforms in the sector must henceforth be held accountable while victims and their families must be accorded the justice they deserve.
“The safety of our citizens must never be treated as incidental — it is a legal and moral imperative. I am confident that this Seminar has been designed with these urgent needs in mind.
“This seminar is of immense significance, building upon the fruitful discussions initiated during a similar engagement last year, where I had the privilege of delivering the welcome address at the Seminar for Justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom
State.
“The reforms introduced by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Fifth Alteration Act) 2023 and the Electricity Act, 2023 were thoroughly examined, with a view to appreciating the role of the judiciary in navigating the evolving legal framework of our electricity supply industry.
“Today, as we gather once again, we deepen that discourse under the timely and compelling theme: ‘Navigating the Dynamics of Nigeria’s Evolving Electricity Sector’.
“The Nigerian electricity sector stands at a crucial inflection point. It is undergoing a significant transformation driven by decentralised renewable energy innovations, increased investments in off-grid and solar mini-grid solutions, and the emergence of a dual electricity market framework.
“These developments are reshaping not only how power is generated and distributed but also how regulatory and contractual relationships are conceived, monitored and enforced.
“Against this backdrop, the judiciary must be prepared to meet new demands. As I stated in my remarks at the 2024 Seminar, our role extends well beyond dispute resolution.
“We are called upon to interpret legislation,
uphold statutory and constitutional mandates, and ensure that justice is administered equitably in a rapidly changing sector.
“This role remains undiminished — indeed, it grows more urgent as judicial interpretations increasingly serve as precedents that influence investor confidence, promote regulatory consistency, and protect consumer rights.
“One cannot overemphasize the significance of the judiciary in ensuring that regulatory bodies such as National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) operate within the bounds of the law.
“NERC’s statutory responsibility includes the issuance of subsidiary legislation, the setting of rates, and adjudication of industry related disputes. While these powers are necessary for efficient regulation, they must be exercised in a manner that is procedurally fair,
transparent, and subject to judicial oversight.
“Accordingly, the Courts must remain vigilant in their review of delegated legislation to guard against arbitrariness, protect the doctrine of legitimate expectation, and uphold public participation as a tenet of regulatory governance.
“In doing so, we give life to the rule of law and promote a legal environment conducive to sustainable development,” the CJN said.
She thanked the NJI and NERC for putting the seminar in place and charged judges in attendance to engage rigorously with the sessions and to share their judicial experiences, particularly in relation to challenges encountered in interpreting and applying the law to electricity-related issues.
In his goodwill message, the Attorney General of the Federation AGF and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said the electricity sector remains a cornerstone of the nation’s socio-economic development, touching every facet of life – providing energy needed for industrialization, innovation and improved living standards.
Fagbemi noted that the electricity sector in Nigeria is undergoing significant evolution, marked by dynamic reforms, regulatory complexities, and a push for greater efficiency adding that the sector is facing complex legal and regulatory challenges that demand deep understanding and collaboration.
“These changes demand not only legislative attention but also proactive judicial engagement to ensure fairness and accountability in navigating this transformation,” he said.
The AGF promised that the Federal Ministry of Justice would be willing to partner with NERC to enhance the performance of its regulatory roles and expanding the frontiers of legal framework for the electricity industry.
CREDIT: DAILY POST