The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued the 2026 Guidelines on the Procedures for Technical Audit of the Transmission System and Network Data Validation.
The commission, in a public notice issued on Monday, said the guidelines took effect on 20 July. NERC said the framework was issued pursuant to Sections 34 and 226 of the Electricity Act, 2023, as well as Section 7.2.2 of the Grid Code.
It stated that the guidelines are designed to establish a transparent, uniform and standardised framework for conducting periodic technical audits of Nigeria’s electricity transmission system and validating transmission network data to enhance the reliability, safety, security and operational efficiency of the national grid.
Key provisions of the guidelines
According to NERC, the guidelines apply to the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) and all licensed Transmission Service Providers (TSPs) operating within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
Under the new guidelines, NISO is required to engage suitably qualified consultants to conduct a comprehensive technical audit of the 330kV and 132kV transmission network at least once every five years, or as otherwise directed by the commission.
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It mandates that TSP provide full access to transmission facilities, operational records, and other relevant information required for the audit.
TSPs are further required to prepare and implement performance improvement plans based on the audit findings and submit annual implementation progress reports to the commission.
NERC added that the guidelines provide minimum competency requirements, scope of work and methodology for the engagement of consultants undertaking the technical audit.
“Stakeholders are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the guidelines, which are available on the NERC website nerc.gov.ng and ensure full compliance,” it said.
