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By Salisu Sani-Idris<\/p>\n
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday proposed an annual review of states\u2019 electricity markets to track\u00a0 implementation of the Electricity Act 2023.<\/p>\n
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Shettima, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, made the proposal at the National Stakeholders\u2019 Workshop on the Electricity Act 2023, held in Abuja.<\/p>\n
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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the workshop is:, \u201cEmpowering the States: Reviewing the Electricity Act 2023.\u201d<\/p>\n
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He proposed a National Electricity Reform Review and Implementation Framework involving the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Federal Ministry of Power, the Nigeria Governors\u2019 Forum and state electricity regulatory institutions.<\/p>\n
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The vice president said that annual amendment of the state electricity market would identify bottlenecks and accelerate investment in the power sector.<\/p>\n
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Shettima urged states yet to establish electricity regulatory commissions to begin the necessary legislative and institutional processes without delay.<\/p>\n
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The vice president stressed that effective implementation was critical to translating the law into improved power supply.<\/p>\n
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He called on states that had made progress to share their experience and technical expertise with others, warning against creating regulatory bodies that existed only on paper.<\/p>\n
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\u201c The success of the reform should be measured not by the number of commissions established but by the electricity generated, investments attracted, jobs created, reliability of supply and improvements in the lives of our citizens,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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On investment, Shettima said government alone can not provide the capital, technology and expertise needed to transform the sector.<\/p>\n
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He urged state governments to adopt transparent licensing procedures, predictable regulations and commercially viable market arrangements to attract private investors.<\/p>\n
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He also called on states to identify their energy resources and develop viable projects capable of expanding electricity access, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.<\/p>\n
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Consumer protection, he said, must remain central, with regulators ensuring fair billing, reliable service, effective complaint-resolution mechanisms and accountability by electricity operators.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe average Nigerian is not interested in the complexities of electricity regulation. He wants electricity that works,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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Shettima urged participants of the workshop to develop practical recommendations for implementing the proposed framework, strengthening state regulatory institutions and establishing clear timelines for monitoring progress.<\/p>\n
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He reaffirmed the Federal Government\u2019s commitment to making electricity more accessible, reliable and affordable, describing dependable power as essential to building a productive and competitive economy.<\/p>\n
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Speaking, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said the success of the electricity reform would depend on states\u2019 ability to build credible regulatory institutions, attract private capital and deliver improved services to consumers.<\/p>\n
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Tegbe identified institutional capacity, commercial viability, the transition from federal to state regulation, coordination with the national grid and consumer protection as critical issues requiring attention.<\/p>\n
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According to him, a regulator on paper is not a functioning market.<\/p>\n
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The minister stressed that the reform should be measured by improvements in electricity supply, expanded access and investor confidence rather than the number of regulatory institutions established.<\/p>\n
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Tegbe said state regulators needed competent commissioners, technical and legal personnel, transparent licensing, tariff processes, adequate funding and sufficient independence to discharge their responsibilities effectively.<\/p>\n
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He added that investors required credible tariffs, enforceable contracts and predictable regulations.<\/p>\n
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\u201d While states must develop transparent and sustainable arrangements to bridge the gap between electricity supply costs and what consumers could afford. \u2018<\/p>\n
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He warned that existing contracts and financial obligations would not disappear with the transfer of regulatory responsibilities.<\/p>\n
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The minister urged states to protect consumers, suppliers and investors throughout the process.<\/p>\n
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He also called for clear arrangements between state electricity markets and the national grid.<\/p>\n
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He noted that many states would continue to depend on grid electricity while developing independent generation and distributed energy solutions.<\/p>\n
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The minister urged states to work with development finance institutions and private investors to develop bankable projects, secure financing and manage investment risks.<\/p>\n
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He reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Power\u2019s readiness to work with state governments, regulators, development partners and the private sector to build a stronger electricity market.<\/p>\n
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Chairman of the Nigeria Governors\u2019 Forum (NGF), Gov. Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, stressed that the proposed amendments to the Electricity Act 2023 must protect states\u2019 regulatory powers.<\/p>\n
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\u201d It should also avoid creating uncertainty that could discourage investment in the electricity sector.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Represented by the Director-General of the NGF, Abdulateef Shittu, AbdulRazaq\u00a0 said the NGF had supported states in implementing the Act through technical workshops, legislative and regulatory templates.<\/p>\n
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According to him, the forum has worked with partners, including the British High Commission and UK International Development, to strengthen states regulatory frameworks and identify investment opportunities.<\/p>\n
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The Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Musiliu Oseni, said the commission had issued transfer orders to 17 states to enable them assume regulatory oversight of their electricity markets.<\/p>\n
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The NERC Chairman said the commission had also supported emerging state regulators through training, capacity-building programmes and technical engagements.<\/p>\n
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He said the Electricity Act 2023, building on the 2023 constitutional amendment, ushered in a new era of multi-level electricity regulation by allowing states to legislate on and regulate electricity generation, transmission and distribution within their territories.<\/p>\n
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He added that the decentralised framework brought regulation closer to consumers, enabling regulators to respond more effectively to local needs and market conditions.<\/p>\n
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Osani cautioned that the transition presented challenges that required careful management to maintain a fair, stable and predictable regulatory environment and sustain investor confidence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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