馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission introduces new rules to reduce transmission losses
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has implemented new regulations to decrease electricity transmission losses and enhance transparency within the national grid. Order No. NERC/2026/026, effective from April 13, 2026, establishes a framework for reporting and monitoring Regional Transmission Loss Factors. Data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator showed a national average transmission loss factor of 8.71% in 2024, improving to 7.24% in 2025, though still above the 7% benchmark. The new order, supported by the Electricity Act 2023, mandates the Nigerian Independent System Operator to install smart meters at all regional interconnection boundary points by December 2026 for accurate energy flow measurement. NISO must also measure and document energy flow at power transformers in transmission substations and submit quarterly regional reports on transmission losses. The Transmission Company of Nigeria is required to submit an action plan by July 2026 to reduce losses to approved benchmarks, aiming for transmission losses across all regions not to exceed 6.5% by December 2026. This initiative seeks to improve overall grid performance, support fair pricing, and enhance regulatory oversight.
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A coroner's court in the United Kingdom has ruled that Beatrice Solomon, a 27-year-old Nigerian woman, died by suicide. Ms. Solomon, who moved to the UK in November 2023 on a skilled worker visa, was found unresponsive in her Stanfield home. Her husband, Damian Butler, discovered her upon returning home from work. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Police investigators ruled out any third-party involvement. During the inquest, Mr. Butler stated that his wife had struggled with her mental health for the past year, attributing it to issues with Stoke-on-Trent City Council. He also revealed that Ms. Solomon had made two previous attempts to take her own life. A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death as oxygen deprivation. Coroner Li Hammond-Naylor concluded that Ms. Solomon died by suicide, noting that she had researched and planned the act. Ms. Solomon, a caregiver, is survived by her husband, a son, and her siblings.
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The Federal Government has launched an initiative offering free registration for 250,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises MSMEs through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria SMEDAN and Corporate Affairs Commission CAC formalisation programme. Approved by President Bola Tinubu, this program aims to eliminate business registration costs for eligible nano, micro, and small businesses, thereby integrating more entrepreneurs into Nigeria's formal economy. Successful applicants will receive free Business Name registration, with the Federal Government covering the statutory fees. The initiative, announced during the 8th National MSME Awards in Abuja on June 27, also provides beneficiaries with technical training, business development support, and access to growth opportunities. Interested business owners can apply via the official SMEDAN portal at portal.smedan.gov.ng by creating an account, completing the MSME registration form, and indicating they do not have an existing CAC registration number. Businesses already in the SMEDAN database without CAC registration may automatically qualify. This program follows a Memorandum of Understanding between CAC and SMEDAN to formalise 250,000 enterprises nationwide, with President Tinubu formally approving the free formalisation in 2026 to ease financial burdens for entrepreneurs and integrate them into Nigeria's formal banking and regulatory system.