NERC Seeks Robust Cyber Protection for Power Sector

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The need for greater collaboration and stronger cybersecurity compliance across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) has been stressed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The chairman of the regulatory agency, Mr Musiliu Oseni, warned that cyber threats have evolved beyond the financial sector and now pose significant risks to the power sector globally.

He noted that the increasing digitisation of electricity infrastructure has made cybersecurity a critical component of power sector operations and national development.

Mr Oseni also emphasised that the interconnected nature of power systems requires all stakeholders to take deliberate steps toward improving cybersecurity compliance and strengthening sector-wide resilience.

“Cybersecurity threats are no longer confined to the financial sector alone. They have become a major concern for the electricity sector and continue to expand globally.

“We are only as strong as our weakest point because a cyberattack does not need to target a major node before it affects the entire system,” the NERC chair said at a cybersecurity awareness seminar on Thursday.

“For Nigeria, the stakes are particularly high as we strive to achieve reliable and sustainable electricity supply. Cyber resilience can no longer be viewed solely as an ICT issue; it must be integrated into every aspect of business operations and strategic decision-making within the power sector,” Mr Oseni, represented by his vice, Mr Yusuf Ali, added.

He also highlighted the need to consider the establishment of a sector-wide emergency cyber response mechanism to enhance preparedness, facilitate rapid incident response, and promote information sharing among industry players.

The seminar featured expert presentations on critical cybersecurity issues, including: Cybersecurity Risks Facing Nigeria’s Power Sector: Current Threats and Emerging Trends; Protecting Critical National Information Infrastructure in Nigeria’s Power Sector: Regulatory Expectations, Threat Reporting, and Sector Coordination; AI, Emerging Technologies, and the New Cyber Threat Landscape; and Establishing a Sectoral Computer Emergency Response Team for Nigeria’s Power Sector: Lessons from the Telecommunications Sector.