By Constance Athekame
The Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN) has appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to establish a joint committee on electricity safety, security and enforcement.
The National President of LECAN, Mr John Etim, made this appeal while delivering an inaugural lecture at the inauguration of the Executive Members of LECAN, FCT Chapter.
The lecture was titled: “Addressing Epileptic Power Supply in the Federal Capital Territory: Perspective of Licensed Electrical Contractors of Nigeria.”
Etim said that the establishment of the FCT Joint Electricity Safety, Security and Standards enforcement committee would reduce epileptic power supply in the territory.
“The committee should comprise of members of LECAN, Works Department of FCTA, FCT Fire Service, FCT Police Command, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA),
“FCT, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCD), Representatives of works department of the Six Area Councils of FCT, representative of Civil Society Organisation working in the Power Sector,” he said.
Etim listed the functions of the committee to include ensuring that fake electrical materials in the markets of FCT are confiscated and the dealers prosecuted.
“Monitor electrical installations in FCT to ensure that NEMSA criteria for best practice are complied with.
“Identify quacks who carry out installations within and outside Distribution Company (DISCO) staff are prosecuted and also ensure that new installations are inspected and tested before connection to the grid,” he said
He said that the committee should not be seen to be taking over NEMSA’s job, but would rather be supporting it to deliver on it functions as provided by the new Electricity Act.
According to him, FCTA should consider safety reliability and quality standard in the electricity sector as a priority in its development agenda.
“This is to prevent incidents of fire outbreak, destruction of electrical equipment’s and gadgets and loss of lives,”he said.
While congratulating LECAN FCT Chapter new executives, he urged them to ensure safety in the discharge of their duties.
On his part, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Mr Temitope Fashedemi, said that collaboration between stakeholders is key to achieving significant result in the sector.
He was represented by Mr Bright Obidi, Acting Head, Regulatory, Safety and Certification Unit, NEMSA
He urged the new executives to take seriously the instrument of uniform professional standards by upholding the code of ethics of the profession.
” Using the mechanism of conflict resolution where required to ensuring seamless collaboration for the betterment of all in the sector, ”he said.
Earlier, retired Navy Captain, Umar Bakori , Commandant-General, Vigilante Group, Nigeria, said the event was apt considering the importance of electricity.
Bakori said that ensuring safety of the sector is everyone’s business.
”And we have vigilante in every local government in the Federation to ensure the protection of power equipment which is critical, ”he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
