The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has thrown its weight behind the Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Tegbe’s, call for greater harmony between federal and state institutions in the regulation and operation of Nigeria’s electricity market, saying collaboration is essential to improving power supply for Nigerians.
The position was reaffirmed during a workshop held in Abuja, themed “Legal, Policy and Regulatory Harmonisation between Federal and State Institutions on the Decentralisation of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI)”.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Tegbe, stressed that harmonising regulatory and operational activities across the Nigerian Electricity Market (NEM) would enable stakeholders to work towards the common objective of expanding access to reliable electricity, describing power as the foundation for national development.
Availability and Reliability
Also addressing participants, NERC Chairman Dr Musiliu Oseni said consumers are more concerned about the availability and reliability of electricity than which institution regulates the sector.
He urged stakeholders to set aside institutional rivalries and work together to deliver better outcomes for electricity consumers.
Dr. Oseni called for sustained dialogue and stronger cooperation among federal and state regulators as Nigeria transitions to a decentralised electricity market under the Electricity Act 2023.
He further proposed more frequent policy engagements between the Federal Government and state commissioners responsible for power through a restructured National Council on Power (NACOP).
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According to him, regular meetings would improve coordination, policy implementation, and regulatory alignment during the ongoing transition.
The Commission said enhanced collaboration between federal and state institutions is critical to ensuring a seamless decentralisation process and achieving a more efficient, reliable, and consumer-focused electricity market.
