The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has transferred full regulatory oversight of electricity markets to four states: Enugu, Ekiti, Ondo, and Imo.
This development means these states will now manage and regulate their electricity markets independently.
NERC announced the completion of the transfer on Monday via its official X handle, stating that the move is part of a broader plan to decentralize electricity regulation in the country.
“As of January 10, 2025, NERC has commenced the transfer of regulatory oversight to 10 states. The transfers have been completed for four states, namely Enugu, Ekiti, Ondo, and Imo, while six states are still in progress,” the commission stated.
The remaining six states—Oyo, Edo, Kogi, Lagos, Ogun, and Niger—are expected to complete the process later this year. Once finalized, these states will also assume full responsibility for their electricity markets.
This shift follows the enactment of the 2023 Electricity Act, which aims to change the operation of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, previously managed centrally since 2013.
NERC noted that with these changes, the existing structures in electricity distribution companies (DisCos) in regions like Enugu, Benin, and Ibadan have been adjusted to accommodate the new responsibilities of state governments.
The commission explained that this decentralization will allow states to incorporate sub-companies and reshape their local electricity markets, enhancing efficiency and accountability in the sector.
