NERC Transfers Electricity Regulation To Akwa Ibom, Number Rises To 17 States

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, on Wednesday announced the transfer of regulatory oversight of Akwa Ibom State’s electricity market to the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

NERC made the announcement in a public notice posted on its official X handle, saying the move is in line with the amended Constitution and the Electricity Act 2023.

The commission said the transfer will allow the state regulator to oversee electricity activities within Akwa Ibom as part of efforts to decentralise Nigeria’s power sector.

Under the order, the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company will establish a subsidiary to take charge of electricity supply and distribution across the state.

NERC said Akwa Ibom is now the 17th state to receive a regulatory transfer order, after 16 other states had completed or commenced the transition to state electricity regulation.

The commission said the transition in Akwa Ibom is expected to be completed by February 2027 while NERC will continue regulating electricity activities that cross state boundaries.

NERC explained that the transfer was made under the amended Constitution and Electricity Act to give states greater control over their intrastate electricity markets.