By Abigail Philip David
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has officially transferred full regulatory authority over electricity markets to four states: Enugu, Ekiti, Ondo, and Imo.
Announcing the development via its X handle on Monday, NERC confirmed that as of January 10, 2025, it had begun the process of transferring electricity market oversight to 10 states. The process has been completed for the four mentioned states, while the transfer for the remaining six—Oyo, Edo, Kogi, Lagos, Ogun, and Niger—is still underway.
NERC stated, “As of January 10, 2025, #NERC has commenced the transfer of regulatory oversight to 10 states. Once the transfers are complete, the states will be responsible for regulating their electricity markets.”
This shift in regulatory control follows the enactment of the 2023 Electricity Act, which has significantly restructured the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) that had operated under a centralized system since 2013.
Previously, electricity distribution was managed by 11 major Distribution Companies (DisCos): Abuja, Benin, Enugu, Eko, Ibadan, Ikeja, Kaduna, Kano, Jos, Port Harcourt, and Yola DisCos, alongside the Aba Power Electric company.
The transfer of authority has led to adjustments in the market structures of Enugu DisCo, Benin DisCo, and Ibadan DisCo, aligning them with the new decentralized regulatory framework.
By the end of 2025, the remaining six states are expected to establish their own sub-companies, further transforming Nigeria’s electricity market.
