The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has called for greater collaboration and stronger cybersecurity compliance across the country’s power sector, warning that growing digitalisation is increasing its exposure to cyber threats.
NERC Chairman Dr. Musiliu Oseni, represented by Vice Chairman Dr. Yusuf Ali at a cybersecurity awareness seminar, said protecting electricity infrastructure was critical to reliable power supply and national development.
“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,” Oseni said in remarks delivered by Ali.
The interconnected nature of power systems required all industry participants to strengthen cybersecurity compliance and resilience, he said.
“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,” he said.
Oseni also called for consideration of a sector-wide emergency cyber response mechanism to improve preparedness, speed up incident response and facilitate information sharing among industry participants.
The seminar examined current and emerging cyber threats, the protection of critical electricity infrastructure, regulatory requirements, threat reporting and coordination across the sector.
Other presentations covered artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, as well as lessons from the telecommunications sector on establishing a dedicated computer emergency response team for the power industry.
NERC said the seminar formed part of activities marking Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026, with discussions focusing on AI-driven threats, workplace preparedness and the resilience of critical infrastructure.
The regulator said it would continue working with government agencies, security institutions, operators and other industry participants to protect Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure and support a reliable and secure power supply.
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