Under the leadership of the Forum of Commissioners for Power and Energy (FOCPEN), state governments have firmly rejected allegations that they are retreating from their pledge to establish a decentralized and dependable electricity supply system nationwide.
Contrary to such claims, the forum emphasized that no state has withdrawn from the reform agenda. In fact, an increasing number of states are enacting legislation, forming regulatory commissions, and assuming oversight responsibilities on a quarterly basis.
Since the enactment of the Electricity Act, 23 states have enacted laws to create their own electricity markets, with additional states joining this initiative regularly.
Moreover, 14 states have officially received regulatory authority transfers from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), marking significant progress in decentralizing power governance.
This update was conveyed in a joint statement by FOCPEN’s chairman, Prince Eka Williams, Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy in Cross River State, and its Acting Secretary, Engr. Mohammed Ihiezue Abdulmutalib, Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development in Kogi State.
The statement was issued in response to a recent report that inaccurately suggested subnational governments were reversing their commitment to power sector reforms following the Electricity Act’s passage.
FOCPEN categorically refuted these claims, labeling them as misleading and not representative of the actual advancements made by Nigerian states in electricity market reforms.
Highlighting ongoing progress, the forum noted that states are actively leveraging the opportunities presented by the Electricity Act, each at varying stages of legislative enactment, regulatory establishment, and market structuring.
Detailing the strides made, FOCPEN stated: “Since the Electricity Act’s implementation, 23 states have passed enabling legislation to establish their electricity markets, with more states joining the movement.”
“Currently, 14 states have formalized the transfer of regulatory oversight from NERC, with others like Bayelsa and Nasarawa recently initiating official transfer procedures.”
“At its recent Energy Summit, Akwa Ibom State revealed its blueprint for a state electricity market, demonstrating a strong commitment to developing localized power systems.”
“Several other states are organizing stakeholder consultations, workshops, and policy discussions aimed at accelerating the decentralization of electricity governance.”
“Regulatory commissions have been established in pioneering states, while others are in advanced stages of formation, proving that these state markets are operational realities rather than mere concepts.”
“States across all regions are actively designing frameworks for independent regulation, tariff setting, and market operations,” the forum added.
FOCPEN further underscored that the Electricity Act represents a transformative legal framework that has empowered subnational entities to take a more active role in the power sector.
The forum stressed that states are approaching this transition with diligence and prudence, ensuring that their regulatory frameworks are credible, financially viable, and sustainable over the long term.
Far from stepping back, an increasing number of states are recognizing the advantages of energy autonomy, regulatory independence, and consumer-centric power market reforms.
FOCPEN is actively enhancing capacity-building efforts to facilitate smooth implementation, financial stability, and consumer protection, working closely with the federal government and development partners.
“Our objective is to improve power supply reliability, boost accountability, and broaden access through transparent, competitive state-level electricity markets.”
“The transformation of Nigeria’s electricity sector is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. FOCPEN and its member states remain steadfast in fulfilling the promises of the Electricity Act, ensuring that decentralization leads to reliable power, better governance, and wider access for all Nigerians.”
“We urge all stakeholders and the media to report on these developments accurately, reflecting the genuine progress and growing enthusiasm among Nigeria’s subnational governments,” FOCPEN concluded.
