The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has proposed a sector wide emergency cyber response mechanism to help electricity operators respond quickly to cyberattacks and strengthen the protection of Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
NERC Chairman, Dr Musiliu Oseni, made the proposal on Thursday, at a cybersecurity awareness seminar, where he called for greater collaboration and stronger cybersecurity compliance across the Nigerian electricity supply industry.
Oseni, who was represented by the commission’s Vice Chairman, Dr Yusuf Ali, said the growing use of digital technology in electricity operations had made cybersecurity a major concern for the sector.
He said cyberattacks could affect the wider electricity system because of the interconnected nature of power infrastructure, making it necessary for operators to strengthen their defences.
According to him, cybersecurity must be treated as part of overall business operations and strategic decision making, rather than as an information technology concern alone.
The proposed emergency response mechanism would improve preparedness, support rapid responses to cyber incidents and encourage information sharing among electricity industry players.
The seminar also examined emerging cyber threats linked to artificial intelligence, the protection of critical national information infrastructure and regulatory requirements for reporting cyber incidents.
Participants also discussed lessons from the telecommunications sector on establishing a sectoral Computer Emergency Response Team to coordinate cybersecurity efforts.
NERC reaffirmed its commitment to working with government agencies, security institutions, electricity operators and other stakeholders to protect the country’s electricity infrastructure and support reliable power supply.
