Electricity: NEMSA urges Nigerians to use only Certified Electrical Installation Contractors

By Etuka Sunday

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), Engr. Peter Ewesor has called on Nigerians to use only Certified Electrical Installation Contractors while wiring their houses to avoid electrical accidents.
Engr. Ewesor who recently resumed his second term in office said, the use of professionals in electrical installation would prevent the incidences of electrical accidents and electrocutions in the country.
The reappointed NEMSA while giving his scorecard said, the Agency monitored and evaluated 2, 699 existing networks and power systems, out of which 618 were resolved and 2, 081 are outstanding.
He said: “inspected and tested 5, 037 new power projects/electrical installations along the power supply chain and utilisation, out of which 4, 138 were certified for use while 899 awaiting rectification of observed defects.
“Investigated 94 electrical accidents/electrocutions; renewed 1, 610 electrical wiring/installation licences, issued by EISD of the Federal Ministry of Power.
“Re-validated 568 electric installation contractor’s certification and issued new private and corporate certification.
“Inspected 63 electrical concrete pole manufecturer’s facilities out of which 42 passed and 21 failed; inspected 623 factories, public places and hazardous locations to ensure compliance with technical standard and regulations and safety requirements.
“Inspected a total of 910.6 km route length of 330kv Transmission line and 14km route length of 132 kv transmission line; inspected a total of 1050 MVA capacity of 330/132kv transmission substations and 420MVA capacity of 132/33kv substations.”
He said, a total of 64, 222 meters were tested out of which 63, 942 passed and 280 failed.
Engr. Ewesor said, the agency has inaugurated eight Zonal Electrical Installation Contractors Certification Panels (ZEICCP) at Oshodi Lagos, Abuja, Benin, Sokoto, Ilorin, Ibadan, Eko Lagos and Abeokuta, while the remaining Zonal ZEICCPs) would be done before the end of this year.
He said, the agency has also developed and produced guideline for Electrical Installation contractor certification scheme; Constitution of Central and Zonal Electrical Installation contractors certification panels.