Lagos, Niger, Bayelsa, 12 others can now regulate own electricity market

Orisemeke Benjamin

A total of 15 states have transitioned to regulating their electricity market, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said.

The move by the various States is in line with the 2023 Electricity Act.

The Nigerian Electricity Act (initially 2023, with 2025/2026 amendments) devolves power to states by removing electricity from the exclusive legislative list and enabling state governments to legislate, regulate, and manage their own electricity markets.

According to the NERC in notice “Their State Electricity Regulators (SERs) are now responsible for driving local market growth, investments and ensuring robust customer protection.”

The states and the timeline of transition are: Enugu — 22 Oct 2024, Ekiti — 22 Oct 2024, Ondo — 23 Oct 2024, Imo — 31 Dec 2024, Oyo — 5 Feb 2025, Edo — 20 Feb 2025, Kogi — 12 Mar 2025, and Lagos — 4 June 2025.

Others include: Ogun — 23 June 2025, Niger — 9 July 2025, Plateau — 12 Sep 2025, Abia — 24 Dec 2025, Nasarawa — 3 Feb 2026, Anambra — 1 Jan 2026, and Bayelsa — 20 Feb 2026.

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