Dispute Resolution Mechanism for Electricity Supply Industry in Nigeria

Barakat Adebisi Raji, Toheeb Aremu Jamiu, Adamu Idris Tanimu

Abstract


Many Nigerian artisans have been rendered inactive in their various callings. One of the reasons for this is the poor supply of electricity by the designated industry. Unfortunately, many of these artisans do not know where to go and lodge their complaints when they are served expensive electricity bills. Therefore, this paper is aimed at evaluating the legal framework for electricity supply dispute resolution in Nigeria. It also examines the effectiveness of this legal framework. This paper employs a quantitative research approach by using a survey design for data collection and descriptive statistics for data analysis of the 15 stakeholders who were surveyed. The review showed that a dispute resolution outlet is provided for customers who may wish to express their complaints about easy access and quick settlements. The finding also revealed that the industry has moved to other more result-oriented dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation, arbitration, and conciliation, among others. There is a regulatory commission charged with the dispensation of justice on dispute resolution. However, what is left is public enlightenment to enable people to explore these available dispute resolution outlets in order to minimize the settlement period.


Keywords


Dispute resolution mechanism; Electricity; poor service; customers; Nigeria

Full Text:

PDF

References


Agency Report, “Analysis: Reviewing Nigeria’s power sector in 2021,” Premium Times, December 27, 2021.

Baker Lucy and Jon Philip, “Tensions in the Transition: The Politics of Electricity Distribution in South Africa,” Environment and Planning C: Politics and Space 37 (1), (2019):177-196.

Barakat A. Raji, Shittu A. Raji and Idris A. Tanimu, “Role of Mediation in Resolving Construction Disputes: A Study of Mediation Centre in Kwara State,” Islamic University Multidisciplinary Journal IUMJ, vol. 7 (2), 2020.

Ernest Uwaize, “Alternative Dispute Resolution in Africa: Preventing

Conflict and Enhancing Stability,” Africa Security Brief 16, 2011.

George G. Otuturu, “Some Aspects of the Law and Practice of Commercial Arbitration in Nigeria,” Journal of Law and Conflict Resolution 6 (4), (201): 67-77.

McQuoid-Mason, D. “Could Traditional Dispute Resolution Mechanisms be the Solution to Reducing the Volume of Litigation in Post-Colonial Developing Countries– Particularly in Africa? Oñati Socio-Legal Series 11(2), (2021):589–604.

Orifowomo, O. A. Ogunfolu, and Lateef, M. A, “Developing the Legal Structure for Corporate Matters in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises,” A Paper Presentation at the Nigerian Law Teachers (NALT) Conference held at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State, between 22 & 27 May 2016.

Paul Mitchard, “A Summary of Dispute Resolution Options,” 15 in Ahmed Robiu, The End Fails to Justify the Means: Judicial Intervention in Arbitration and Conciliation in Nigeria > http://oer.biu.edu.ng › uploads › 2020/02 < Accessed on 1st January, 2022.

Pon Staff, “What are the Three Basic Types of Dispute Resolution? What to Know About Mediation, Arbitration, and Litigation,” Programme on Negotiation, Harvard Law School, (October 2021).

Stern, Paul J. Burke; Stephan B. Bruns, “The Impact of Electricity on Economic Development: A Macroeconomic Perspective,” Oxford Policy Management Center for Effective Global Action 1(1), (2017): 2.

Theodora Kio-Lawson, “Lagos State Judges take a stand on ADR,” BusinessDay (Nigeria) www.businessdayonline.com> accessed (20th February 2020): 37.

Kilanse, Y., Nwanya, K and Oluwasanmi, A, “Nigeria: The Exclusive Jurisdiction of the National Industrial Court in Labour and Employment Matters,” Mondaq Comparative Guide Mobolawa O. Akinoye, The Legal Framework for Dispute Resolution in International Business Transaction.

Zou, C.N. et al, “Energy Revolution: From a Fossil Energy Era to a New Energy Era,” Natural Gas Industry B 3, (2016): 1-11.


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.