LEGAL PRINCIPLE: STATUTORY INTERPRETATION – Application of Regulations – Electricity (Supply) Regulations 1958
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
The Electricity (Supply) Regulations 1958 apply to high tension cables carrying electric current above 6,600 volts. The provisions of sections 2, 126(1), and 127 of the Regulation are crystal clear that such high tension cables had been provided for.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Mohammed, JSC, in Orhue v. National Electric Power Authority (1998) NLC-2641991(SC) at pp. 9–10; Paras B–A.
"I agree with the submission of learned counsel for the respondent that the provisions of the Electricity (Supply) Regulations, Cap. 57, Laws of the Federation 1958 which was then the law concerned with the installation of high tension cable or extra high pressure electric lines apply to the case in hand. The argument of learned counsel for the appellant that the Regulation of 1958 concerns only lines carrying not more than 6,600 volts is clearly wrong. The provisions of sections 2, 126(1) and 127 of the Regulation are crystal clear that high tension cables carrying electric current above 6,600 volts had been provided for by the Regulation."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
The 1958 Regulations apply to high tension cables above 6,600 volts. The statutory provisions are clear. The principle applies to statutory interpretation. The court will give effect to clear language. The rule prevents erroneous restrictive interpretation. The principle promotes safety and compliance.