NERC still dominates power sector despite devolution’
The Ondo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Johnson Alabi, has accused the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) of continuing to exercise control over electricity regulation in states, despite
The Ondo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Johnson Alabi, has accused the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) of continuing to exercise control over electricity regulation in states, despite the decentralisation framework introduced by the Electricity Act 2023.
Speaking during an interview on a national television yesterday, Alabi said the transfer of regulatory powers to sub-national governments was not being fully implemented by the federal regulator.
He noted that while NERC publicly claims to have ceded authority to states to regulate electricity generation, transmission and distribution, the reality on ground suggests otherwise.
According to him, “the control still resides at NERC,” describing the situation as an aberration inconsistent with the provisions of the new law.
Alabi said Ondo State had already established its own electricity regulatory structure in line with the constitutional changes, adding that about 15 to 16 states had gained autonomy and were expected to manage their electricity markets independently.
The commissioner linked the disagreement with NERC to electricity infrastructure projects within Ondo State, particularly those executed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).
He lamented that several intervention projects carried out by the agency remained unused and exposed to vandalism, including installations in communities that have lacked electricity for years.
Alabi disclosed that the state government had approached NDPHC to take over some of the infrastructure through the Ondo State Power Company to improve power supply in affected areas.
He maintained that electricity distribution within a state falls under the exclusive authority of state governments, especially where such infrastructure is located entirely within state boundaries.
The commissioner called on NERC to refrain from interfering in intrastate electricity distribution, urging the regulator to allow states to fully implement the decentralisation framework.
When asked whether NERC was acting beyond its mandate, Alabi responded in the affirmative, insisting that the current situation undermines the intent of the Electricity Act.
