ANED says it has right to protect Discos

The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) has told the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) it has legal backing to protect interests of the Distribution Companies (DisCos).

In a statement by ANED’s Chief Executive Officer, Azu Obiaya, the association said its activities are guaranteed by Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the right of association.

ANED said it represents the DisCos with the mandate to protect the interests of its member companies.

NERC in a communiqué issued after a meeting with the DisCos on August 27, 2018 said ANED should not interfere with policy directives or regulatory pronouncements made by the Minister of Power or the Commission.

It also barred ANED from making any unwarranted remark against the Minister and NERC Commissioners.

But ANED said its expression or promotion of a viewpoint that is contrary to that of a regulation or policy should not be construed as interference, particularly, in the context of the workings of an industry with multiple stakeholder interests.