Key points
- NERC has issued new guidelines for technical audits of Nigeria’s electricity transmission system.
- The regulations took effect on July 20, 2026.
- The guidelines require periodic audits of the 330kV and 132kV transmission networks every five years.
- Transmission operators must implement improvement plans based on audit findings.
Main story
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued the Guidelines on the Procedures for Technical Audit of the Transmission System and Network Data Validation 2026 to strengthen the reliability, safety and operational efficiency of Nigeria’s electricity transmission network.
The commission announced that the guidelines took effect on July 20, 2026, pursuant to Sections 34 and 226 of the Electricity Act, 2023, and Section 7.2.2 of the Grid Code.
According to NERC, the framework establishes a transparent, uniform and standardised process for conducting periodic technical audits of the national transmission system and validating transmission network data.
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 framework, NISO is required to engage suitably qualified consultants to conduct comprehensive technical audits of the country’s 330kV and 132kV transmission network at least once every five years or as otherwise directed by the commission.
The guidelines also require Transmission Service Providers to grant auditors full access to transmission infrastructure, operational records and all relevant information needed to complete the audits.
Following each audit, operators are expected to develop Performance Improvement Plans based on the findings and submit annual implementation progress reports to NERC.
The commission also outlined minimum competency requirements, the scope of work and the methodology for consultants engaged to carry out the technical audits.
NERC urged stakeholders across the electricity industry to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the guidelines and ensure full compliance.
The issues
Nigeria’s electricity transmission network has faced recurring operational challenges, including grid disturbances and infrastructure constraints. Periodic technical audits are intended to identify weaknesses, improve planning, strengthen asset management and enhance overall grid reliability.
What’s being said
“The Guidelines… 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.” — Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)
What’s next
NISO is expected to begin implementing the framework by engaging qualified consultants for the first round of transmission audits, while licensed Transmission Service Providers prepare for compliance with the new reporting and performance improvement requirements.
Bottom line
NERC’s new technical audit guidelines introduce a structured process for assessing Nigeria’s transmission network, with the aim of improving grid reliability, strengthening oversight and driving continuous performance improvement across the power sector.
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