The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has backed call by Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe for greater regulatory harmony and operational coordination across the nation’s evolving electricity market.
This call for harmony comes at a critical juncture as Nigeria transitions to a multi-tier electricity system under the Electricity Act 2023.
The endorsement was delivered during a workshop for stakeholders convened by the Ministry of Power in Abuja on July 14, 2026.
Themed “Legal, Policy and Regulatory Harmonisation between Federal and State Institutions on the Decentralisation of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI),” the gathering brought together key federal and state actors to chart a collaborative path forward for the sector.
In his address, NERC Chairman, Dr. Musiliu Oseni, echoed the Minister’s sentiment that the success of the reforms hinges on cooperation, not competition. He issued a powerful reminder to all stakeholders that the ultimate benchmark for success is the experience of the Nigerian people.
“Nigerians do not really care about who regulates what or who is responsible for policymaking, but they strongly care about the availability and reliability of supply,” Dr. Oseni stated. “It does not matter to them who drives the sector, be it state or federal, but who actually meets their supply needs.”
Dr. Oseni’s message was a clarion call for stakeholders to prioritise national interest over institutional rivalries.
He warned that public disagreements and a lack of coordination could cripple the reforms and erode public confidence.
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“It is on this basis I wish to urge all actors in the room to reflect, drop our ego and personal interests, embrace dialogue and let us all work together to meet the yearnings of Nigerians,” Dr. Oseni urged.
He emphasised that the media should not be a platform for airing disagreements but that a formal, strategic framework for dialogue is essential.
To achieve this, the NERC Chairman suggested revamping the existing National Council on Power (NACOP) to facilitate more regular and focused policy meetings between the Federal Government and state commissioners responsible for power.
“The platform through which this could take place already exists – i.e., the National Council on Power (“NACOP”) – but there is a need to reform the structure of engagements,” Dr. Oseni explained. “Relatively more frequent and more focused policy meetings with state commissioners may be adopted as against the annual and somewhat large gathering adopted in the past.”
He noted that frequent touchpoints are crucial for smooth policy implementation and coordination, especially during the current transition phase.
The call for harmony comes as the Electricity Act 2023 fundamentally reshapes the sector, empowering states to establish and regulate their own electricity markets.
Regulatory oversight has already been transferred to 16 states, which are at various stages of implementation. Without robust federal-state coordination, there is a tangible risk of creating confusion and undermining the reforms.
The Minister of Power has also announced the establishment of a nine-member inter-agency committee to address implementation challenges and deepen regulatory harmonisation. This committee is tasked with engaging stakeholders and recommending measures to strengthen the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023.
As Nigeria navigates this complex and transformative period, the resounding message from its leadership is clear: the path to a stable, reliable, and investment-friendly electricity market is paved with cooperation, dialogue, and a singular focus on serving the Nigerian people.
