Kogi State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has pledged to partner with the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) in driving robust engagement with electricity consumers and other stakeholders across the power supply chain, as part of efforts to improve service delivery in the state.
The pledge was made by the chapter’s Chairman, Ismaila Isah, when he led members of the chapter on a visit to KERC’s headquarters in Lokoja, as part of the chapter’s ongoing advocacy visit to key public institutions in the state.
Isah acknowledged the difficulty of KERC’s mandate, noting that the commission often bears public criticism meant for electricity service providers while working to maintain a balance between power sector investors and consumers.
He commended the commission’s management led by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Ibrahim Abdwaaris for prioritising public engagement and for demonstrating the commitment and vigour needed to steer the commission’s affairs.
The NIPR chairman assured that the institute would continue to provide professional support to strengthen future engagements and help the commission navigate the challenges of regulating the electricity market in the state.
He also urged public relations executives at KERC to register with the NIPR in order to comply with regulatory requirements and benefit from the institute’s range of professional development opportunities.
Addressing the NIPR delegation, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of KERC, Engineer Ibrahim Abdwaaris acknowledged the central role of communication in helping the commission communicate effectively with the public, describing the advocacy by NIPR’s visit as timely.
He pledged that KERC would collaborate with NIPR to sensitise electricity consumers on the importance of speaking up and following due complaint procedures, while fostering stronger collaboration among stakeholders including Kogi State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (KEDL), other service providers, consumers and the commission through periodic engagements.
Abdwaaris further disclosed that the commission would work with all stakeholders to develop a fair and transparent tariff scheme that aligns with regional tariff standards while reflecting the peculiarities of consumers in Kogi State.
