By Yemisi Izuora
Minister of state for power Mr Mohammed Wakil,has said that Government will begin the enforcement of quality control and standard of electricity materials installations in the country.
Wakil who gave the assurance at the official commissioning of the Remodelled National Meter Test Station and opening of the Technical Inspectorate Service Field Office in Lagos said government has successfully reformed the generation, transmission and distribution sub-sectors of the industry.
The minister said that government now focusses on effective delivery of safe and reliable electricity supply to Nigerians and is resolved to enhance consumers and investors’ confidence and certification through sustained inspection, testing and certification of electrical materials and equipments.
“Electricity materials should be of the high quality and specification, all categories of electrical installations, power systems and network must be properly planned, designed and exulted before use.
Gone are the days of sub-standard equipment and installations which compromised safety of Nigerians. More pointedly manufacturers of fake power equipments are hereby put on notice.
The long arm of law shall catch-up with those endangering lives of innocent citizens. Nigerians not only want adequate power supply but also safety and reliability,’’ he said.
Wakil said that the significant of safety and quality control informed the establishment of Electricity management Services Limited (EMSL) , one of the successor companies established by law, adding this agency has grown from nothing to an emerging giant.
Mr Peter Ewesor, the Managing Director, Electricity Management Services Limited (EMSL) said that the remodelled national meter testing station will be saddled with the roles and responsibilities of enforcement of technical and safety standard.
Ewesor said that others are technical inspection, testing and certification of all categories of electrical materials and equipment and electrical installations.
He said that in line with EMSL mandate and regulations, no electrical installation or network can be put into use unless it has been tested and certified fit for use by their engineers and technical officers of EMSL.
“Over ten thousand substandard meters have been rejected for not having anti-energy-theft protection. These types would have led to high commercial and collection losses for the investors.
“We have rejected over five thousand meters having terminal connections that were out of specifications, this would have led to risk to workers and staff of the utility companies and possible burning of the meters on installations,’’ he said.