Consumer Redress Options and Dispute Resolution in the Nigerian Electricity Market
A Socio-legal Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14296/ac.v6i3.5784Abstract
The Nigerian electricity industry is undergoing reforms aimed at entrenching private-sector participation and competition. This article examines the efficacy of tier-structured consumer redress mechanisms within Nigeria’s electricity market. Employing a socio-legal approach, the article explores the practical application of process pluralism, analysing the consumer redress pathways of Consumer Complaints Units, Customer Forums, Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission, courts, and public enforcement. The analysis highlights the gap between legal frameworks and practical implementation, but it argues that sector-specific consumer redress framework is the correct approach to provide greater access to justice in a monopolistic market. The article advocates a conjunctive approach rather than “alternative” approach between the industry redress mechanisms and the court.
Keywords: consumer redress; dispute resolution; process pluralism; consumer ADR; electricity distribution; access to justice.
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