“NERC Approves Transfer of Electricity Regulatory Oversight to Niger State”
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has granted the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NSERC) the authority to regulate the electricity supply industry within the state. This approval aligns with the provisions of the 2023 Electricity Act (EA) and the ongoing liberalization of Nigeria’s electricity sector.
In a statement shared with DAILY POST on Friday, NERC clarified that the transfer of regulatory oversight was in accordance with the amended Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) and the Electricity Act 2023.
NERC emphasized that, under the new framework, it retains responsibility as the central regulator for interstate and international electricity operations, including generation, transmission, supply, trading, and system operations. However, any state wishing to manage its intrastate electricity market must formally notify NERC and request the transfer of regulatory authority, which Niger State has done.
The notice revealed that Niger State government had fulfilled all legal prerequisites and officially requested the handover of regulatory powers for intrastate electricity operations, leading to NERC’s approval.
Additionally, NERC has instructed the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to set up a subsidiary within 60 days to handle the interstate supply and distribution of electricity in Niger State.
This move marks a significant step in the decentralization of electricity regulation in Nigeria, as more states now have the authority to oversee their electricity sectors.
