Financial Energy Review
……by Ben Ndubuwa…..
n a bid to improve service delivery and consumer rights awareness in the Nigerian electricity sector, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has awarded winners of its annual energy essay competition. This initiative aims to engage students in developing innovative solutions for the electricity sector and fostering a better understanding of consumer rights and protection.
The competition, which saw submissions from over 500 students nationwide, culminated in an award ceremony at NERC’s headquarters in Abuja. Faith Ayomide Ogundola from Ekiti State University International College, Ado Ekiti, emerged as the first-place winner, earning N500,000, a certificate, and a plaque. Sumaiya Abubakar of NAK Academy, Funtua, Katsina State, secured the second position, receiving N300,000, a certificate, and a plaque, while Vanju Rejoice John of Government Day Senior Secondary School, Bekaji, Jimeta, Adamawa State, took third place, with a prize of N200,000, a certificate, and a plaque.
Speaking at the event, NERC Chairman Sanusi Garba highlighted the importance of the competition in sparking interest among youths in the Nigerian power sector, electricity, and energy conservation. He stated, “We pick public interest topics and invite students to write essays on these. This year, the topic is about ‘Consumer Protection’. We are encouraged to know that students have taken an interest in understanding what we do as a regulator and the regulations we have made to protect consumers.”
Aisha Mahmud, NERC’s Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, noted that this is the fourth edition of the competition. The top three winners presented summaries of their essays on NERC’s Customer Protection Regulations. Rejoice John received an additional cash award of N100,000 for her eloquence, presented by NERC’s Vice Chairman, Dr. Musiliu Oseni.
Dr. Oseni concluded the ceremony by commending the participants and noting that the essays were marked by the West African Examination Council (WAEC), ensuring a high standard of evaluation. The competition reflects NERC’s commitment to involving young minds in the pursuit of better service delivery and consumer protection in the Nigerian electricity sector.
