The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has strengthened its position as a leading electricity regulator on the continent, hosting a high-level delegation from the Zanzibar Utilities Regulatory Authority (ZURA) on a study tour focused on Nigeria’s acclaimed electricity regulatory framework, particularly its successful mini-grid model.
The visit was aimed at deepening regulatory cooperation and enabling Zanzibar’s power regulator to understudy Nigeria’s approach to electricity sector regulation and market development.
Receiving the delegation, NERC Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Hajiya Aisha Mahmud, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting fellow African regulatory institutions through knowledge sharing and technical collaboration.
“NERC remains committed to supporting peer regulatory institutions across Africa through the sharing of knowledge, experiences and best practices that will strengthen electricity regulation across the continent,” Mahmud said.
The ZURA delegation explained that the study tour was driven largely by Nigeria’s Mini-Grid Regulation, describing it as one of the most comprehensive and successful regulatory frameworks for mini-grid development in Africa.
According to the delegation, the visit was designed to provide firsthand insight into NERC’s regulatory structure, operational practices and market development strategies that have helped expand electricity access through decentralised energy solutions.
During the engagement, NERC officials delivered detailed presentations on the Commission’s regulatory framework, the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), key regulatory instruments, market development initiatives and the implementation of the Mini-Grid Regulation.
The two regulators also held extensive interactive sessions where they exchanged ideas on common challenges confronting electricity regulators across Africa and explored practical solutions to improve regulatory efficiency.
The discussions further highlighted opportunities for sustained collaboration, technical cooperation and continuous knowledge exchange between both institutions as African countries intensify efforts to expand electricity access and strengthen their power sectors.
The study tour underscores the growing recognition of Nigeria’s electricity regulatory reforms and NERC’s emerging role as a reference point for power sector regulation across the continent.
