The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has officially transferred regulatory oversight of Niger State’s electricity market to the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NSERC).
This development, disclosed in a notice from NERC on Friday, aligns with the provisions of the 2023 Electricity Act, which liberalizes Nigeria’s electricity sector.
According to NERC, the transfer complies with the amended Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electricity Act 2023.
The statement reads:
“In compliance with the amended Constitution and the Electricity Act 2023, NERC has issued an order transferring regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Niger State to the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
“While NERC retains authority over interstate and international electricity generation, transmission, and trading, states wishing to regulate their intrastate electricity markets must notify NERC and meet the stipulated legal requirements.”
Niger State reportedly fulfilled all necessary conditions, including a formal notification to NERC, before the approval was granted.
As part of the transition, NERC has directed the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to establish a subsidiary within 60 days to handle interstate electricity supply and distribution operations in Niger State.
This move positions Niger State among the growing number of states in Nigeria exercising control over their electricity supply sectors under the 2023 Electricity Act. The shift aims to enhance localized regulation and improve the efficiency of electricity distribution within the state.
