The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), in collaboration with State Electricity Regulators (SERs), has inaugurated the Forum of Nigerian Electricity Regulators (FONER).
This is a strategic platform aimed at improving coordination and regulatory effectiveness across the country’s power sector.
The inauguration took place during the first quarter 2026 Regulatory Meeting with state regulators held in Lagos, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s transition toward a decentralised, multi-level electricity market structure.
Speaking at the event, NERC Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, described the creation of FONER as a critical step toward strengthening collaboration among regulators and closing gaps that could be exploited within the system.
He stressed the importance of unified regulatory action, warning against the risks of inconsistencies across jurisdictions.
According to him, enhanced cooperation would help eliminate regulatory arbitrage by operators and ensure a more stable and transparent electricity market.
“We must work collaboratively to avoid regulatory arbitrage by operators. I charge all of us to carry out this mandate with the highest sense of responsibility,” Oseni said while formally declaring the forum inaugurated in line with provisions of the Electricity Act 2023″
“FONER is expected to play a central role in shaping Nigeria’s evolving electricity landscape. Its core objectives include fostering sustained dialogue between NERC and State regulators, promoting harmonised approaches to tariff setting and market operations, and strengthening consumer protection frameworks nationwide
“The forum will also serve as a capacity-building platform, enabling peer learning among regulators while supporting the development of unified national regulatory benchmarks
“Additionally, it is designed to function as a consultative body for ongoing electricity market reforms, with a focus on transparency and accountability” He stressed.
A major highlight of the meeting was the signing and official launch of the FONER Charter, alongside the inauguration of its leadership. Oseni will serve as Chairman of the forum, with Chijioke Okonkwo of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ESERC) as Vice Chairman, and Aisha Mahmud, NERC Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, as Secretary.
The meeting also reviewed the fourth quarter 2025 action log, assessing progress made and identifying areas requiring further regulatory attention as Industry stakeholders view the establishment of FONER as a timely intervention, particularly as Nigeria deepens reforms under the Electricity Act 2023, which empowers states to play a more active role in electricity generation, distribution, and regulation.
The quarterly regulatory engagements between NERC and State regulators are expected to continue serving as a vital platform for policy alignment, knowledge exchange, and sector-wide improvements ultimately aimed at expanding access to reliable and affordable electricity for Nigerians.