The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has proposed quarterly policy meetings with state commissioners to enhance coordination and harmonisation of regulatory frameworks, strengthen federal–state collaboration, and improve policy implementation in Nigeria’s power sector during the ongoing transition phase.
The Commission’s Chairman, Dr. Musiliu Oseni, disclosed this in his remark at the Workshop on Legal, Policy and Regulatory Harmonisation between Federal and State Institutions on the Decentralisation of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry held on Tuesday.
According to him, the decision was reached following the constitutional amendment and the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023.
The proposed initiative, to be developed in partnership with the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the African School of Regulation, is aimed at strengthening technical expertise across subnational regulators, although he cautioned that its impact would be limited without adequately staffed institutions to benefit from such training.
He noted that the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) has entered a new reform phase that enables greater state-level regulatory oversight, with NERC already transferring such responsibilities to 16 states at varying stages of implementation.
He, however, cautioned that while the legislation is designed to deepen competition and attract much-needed investment, the transition comes with challenges that could undermine its benefits if not properly managed.
Describing the sector as a “complex puzzle” involving generators, transmission networks, traders, regulators, policymakers, and end-users, Oseni stressed that resolving operational friction points requires strong policy coordination and regulatory harmonisation among all stakeholders.
He emphasised that Nigerians are less concerned about regulatory jurisdictions and more focused on reliable electricity supply, urging stakeholders to set aside institutional interests, embrace collaboration, and work collectively to meet the country’s power needs.
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The NERC boss further urged State policy Commissioners to provide adequate support for their respective State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs), many of which, according to him, are currently operating without sufficient staff.
He noted that proper staffing is fundamental to effective regulatory oversight, warning that the success of ongoing reforms could be undermined if regulatory institutions lack the human resources required to function optimally.
Oseni noted that capacity development remains central to building a resilient regulatory framework, adding that the Commission is advancing plans to establish a sustainable training programme and centre for state regulators.
