Business
NERC orders TCN to cut transmission losses urgently
NERC transmission loss directive orders TCN to cut grid losses to 6.5% by 2026 to improve efficiency and stability in Nigeria’s power sector
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in Abuja on Monday, April 13, 2026, confirmed a new regulatory directive aimed at significantly reducing inefficiencies in the national power grid, as the regulator ordered TCN to cut transmission losses to not more than 6.5 per cent by December 2026.
Also read: Tinubu Appoints Musiliu Oseni NERC Chairman
The directive, contained in Order No. NERC/2026/026 and published on the Commission’s official X handle, forms part of ongoing reforms to improve efficiency and stability within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
Under the new framework, the NERC transmission loss directive sets a stricter performance benchmark for grid operators, building on previous targets under the Multi-Year Tariff Order framework, which had set allowable losses at around 7 per cent.
Data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator shows that transmission losses have gradually improved in recent years, declining from 8.71 per cent in 2024 to 7.24 per cent in 2025.
Despite this progress, the regulator said the current level remains above acceptable efficiency thresholds and requires further corrective action.
The order, issued on April 8, 2026, also introduces enhanced reporting requirements for regional Transmission Loss Factors across the national grid operated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria.
It is expected to improve transparency and accountability in power transmission operations.
As part of implementation measures, the Nigerian Independent System Operator has been directed to install smart meters at all regional interconnection points by December 2026.
The initiative is aimed at improving accuracy in measuring energy flows and identifying system inefficiencies across transmission corridors.
The system operator is also required to monitor and document energy flow at transmission substations and submit quarterly reports detailing regional transmission losses to the Commission.
In addition, the Transmission Company of Nigeria must submit an action plan by July 2026 outlining practical steps to ensure transmission losses are reduced to within approved regulatory benchmarks.
The NERC transmission loss directive is grounded in provisions of the Electricity Act 2023, which empowers the regulator to enforce efficiency standards and ensure accountability across the power sector value chain.
Also read: BPE Plans IPO for DisCos, GenCo on Nigerian Exchange
NERC stated that the new measures are designed to strengthen operational discipline within the transmission network and improve overall grid reliability, with a focus on delivering more stable electricity supply nationwide.
The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has dismissed allegations that it appropriated the Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit (NDEIS) brand, insisting it lawfully obtained trademark acceptance for the name and will proceed with its 2026 summit as scheduled.
In a statement issued on September 12, 2026, the chamber described claims by Kunle Nwiwa Junior as “cheap blackmail, misleading, mischievous and a misrepresentation of the facts,” maintaining that it independently developed the summit and followed all required regulatory procedures.
According to NDCCITMA, it applied for and received a Trademark Acceptance Letter for the name Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit (NDEIS) in August 2025 under File No. NG/TM/O/2025/387284.
The chamber said the chronology of events contradicts allegations that it copied another party’s application, arguing that its trademark acceptance predated the period during which Nwiwa’s own application was reportedly still pending before the relevant authorities.
“Economic Summit” is a generic expression
NDCCITMA further argued that the phrase “Economic Summit” is a generic description widely used for conferences that bring together governments, investors, businesses, development institutions and other stakeholders to discuss investment and economic development.
The chamber maintained that while concepts may be widely used, legal protection only arises from recognised intellectual property rights, including duly registered trademarks and other enforceable proprietary interests.
It therefore rejected suggestions that any individual or organisation has exclusive ownership of the broader concept of an economic summit.
Court grants interim injunction
Addressing reports that the summit had been halted, NDCCITMA said the dispute is already before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt and that there is no court order restraining the event.
The chamber disclosed that in Suit No. FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026, Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam granted an interim injunction restraining the defendants—Kunle Nwiwa Junior and Keneva Consult Ltd.—from interfering with the planned summit.
According to NDCCITMA, the court also directed the defendants to remove publications, notices, petitions, social media posts and other statements allegedly considered damaging to the chamber’s name, integrity and reputation pending the hearing of its motion for interlocutory injunction.
The matter has been adjourned until September 22, 2026 for further hearing.
Chamber rejects ₦500 million demand claim
NDCCITMA also alleged that it had received a demand from Nwiwa Junior requesting ₦500 million as a condition for abandoning his claims over the summit.
The chamber said the demand was rejected, adding that it subsequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over what it described as repeated harassment and threats directed at its officials.
It said the petition sought police intervention, including inviting the complainant for questioning and caution where necessary.
Summit opens September 15
Despite the legal dispute, NDCCITMA reaffirmed that the 2026 Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit will hold from September 15 to 17, 2026, at the Obi Wali Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The summit will be held under the theme “Driving Investment, Innovation & Industrial Growth in the Niger Delta” and is expected to bring together policymakers, investors, business leaders, development partners and industry stakeholders to discuss economic transformation across the region.
The chamber said it remains committed to promoting commerce, industry, trade, mining, agriculture and sustainable economic development throughout the Niger Delta while allowing the courts to determine all outstanding legal issues.
Tinubu Niger Delta summit opens in Port Harcourt as investors and policymakers gather to drive investment, innovation and industrial growth
-
Politics3 years ago
13 Ondo Assembly Members Disown Endorsement of Aiyedatiwa
-
Politics3 years ago
APC Group, Ondo Govt, Quarrel Over Money for Endorsement
-
Trending News5 years agoStop unsavoury, inciting statements – DSS warns
-
Others5 years agoAdron Homes Celebrates 10 Years Of Housing Excellence
-
Humanity5 years agoPresident Buhari Commiserates With Ambassador Maureen Tamuno Over The Loss Of Her Father
-
Others7 years agoEX- CUSTOMS BOSS, IBRAHIM MERA’S DWINDLING FAME
-
Business2 years agoBigi Carbonated Soft Drinks Treats 40 Consumers to an Epic Easter Movie Hangout
-
Business2 years agoWema Bank Shines at Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards 2024 …Awarded: • SME Financier of the Year (Africa) • Platinum Award for Best Financier for Women Entrepreneurs (Africa)