The Director-General of the Bayelsa Electricity Regulatory Agency, Rosalyn Dressman, says the BYERA Licensing and Market Entry Regulations 2026 are designed to attract investment, protect consumers, and establish a credible state electricity market under the Bayelsa State Electricity Law 2025.
Speaking during a stakeholder review forum in Yenagoa, Dr. Dressman explained that the proposed regulations go beyond administrative procedures.
“These regulations are a fundamental tool for attracting investment,” she said. “They also protect consumers, regularize the participation of existing operators, and create a credible state electricity market.”
She stated that the engagement session focused on the rationale behind the regulations, their scope, and how they are expected to support the growth of Bayelsa’s electricity sector.
According to her, the draft framework also outlines the institutional support required from government ministries, departments and agencies, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation.
Dr. Dressman added that the framework seeks to formalize the operations of existing market players while creating clear pathways for new entrants into the electricity market.
Also speaking at the forum, Chairman of BYERA, Austin Adigio, said the stakeholders’ engagement was aimed at developing rules that are fair, transparent, and aligned with present economic realities.
Adigio noted that the proposed regulations are intended to protect consumers, encourage fair competition, and allow innovation to flourish without creating unnecessary barriers to entry.
According to him, the regulations could determine whether local entrepreneurs in Yenagoa are able to launch electricity-related products and whether foreign investors consider Bayelsa’s power market viable.
He emphasized that the consultation was not merely ceremonial, urging stakeholders to critically review the draft regulations, identify gaps, and point out any unintended consequences.
Adigio assured participants that contributions from the engagement would be documented, analyzed, and reflected in the final draft before approval.
He called for constructive discussions, describing the forum as an important opportunity to shape regulations that would benefit both the public and investors in Bayelsa’s electricity sector.
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