Cyber Threats Pose Major Risks To Power Sector – NERC, Advises On Way Out

The Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Musiliu Oseni, on Thursday, 15 October 2026, called for greater collaboration and stronger cybersecurity compliance across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), warning that cyber threats have evolved beyond the financial sector and now pose significant risks to the power sector globally.

Speaking at a cybersecurity awareness seminar, Dr Oseni, represented by the Vice Chairman of NERC, Dr. Yusuf Ali, emphasized that the increasing digitisation of electricity infrastructure has made cybersecurity a critical component of power sector operations and national development.

According to him, “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.”

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

“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.

Dr. Oseni 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

>Establishing a Sectoral Computer Emergency Response Team for Nigeria’s Power Sector: Lessons from the Telecommunications Sector.

The seminar aligns with the global objectives of Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026, which focus on combating AI-driven cyber threats, enhancing workplace readiness, and strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure.

NERC reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with government agencies, security institutions, operators, and industry stakeholders to safeguard Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure and ensure the continued reliability, security, and sustainability of the nation’s power sector.