President Muhammadu Buhari on 30 March 2020, pursuant to his powers under the Quarantine Act,1 issued a regulation directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos, Abuja and Ogun State for an initial period of fourteen (14) days with effect from 11pm 30 March 2020 (the Quarantine Regulation), in a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19. Although the Regulation prescribes that power generation, transmission and distribution companies are exempt from its application, it nevertheless requires all citizens in the aforementioned States to stay in their homes as well as the closure of most businesses and offices.
The National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC or the Commission), on 31 March 2020, issued ‘Guidelines for the Continuity of Service in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI)’ (the Guidelines). The Guidelines stipulate that despite the rampaging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria and the world at large, considering the cardinal role of electric power in sustaining the wellbeing of any nation and particularly in powering critical infrastructure, all operators in the electricity industry should ensure continuity of service during this difficult period.
