Abia Government Takes Over Electricity Regulation from NERC

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has officially transferred regulatory
oversight of the electricity market in Abia State to the Abia State Electricity Regulatory
Authority.
This was disclosed in an order posted on NERC’s social media platforms on Wednesday, in
accordance with the amended Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the
Electricity Act 2023.
“In line with the amended Constitution and the Electricity Act 2023, the Nigerian Electricity
Regulatory Commission has issued an order transferring regulatory oversight of Abia State’s
electricity market to the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority,” the statement said.
It’s worth recalling that under the Electricity Act 2023, the Commission remains the central
regulatory authority with oversight responsibilities for interstate and international generation,
transmission, supply, trading, and system operations.
The Electricity Act also requires any state seeking to establish and regulate its own intrastate
electricity market to formally notify NERC of its intentions and request the transfer of
regulatory authority to the state’s electricity regulator.
“In line with this provision, the Abia State Government fulfilled all legal requirements, formally
notified NERC, and requested the transfer of regulatory oversight for the intrastate electricity
market in Abia State,” NERC stated.
NERC stated that the transfer order requires the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company
(EEDC) to establish a subsidiary that will handle the intrastate supply and distribution of
electricity in Abia State.
The commission directed that EEDC must complete the incorporation of this new entity,
EEDC SubCo, within 60 days from June 25, 2025. The new company is also required to
apply for and secure a licence for intrastate electricity supply and distribution from the Abia
State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA).
“All transfers outlined in this order must be finalized by December 24, 2025,” NERC added.
It is worth recalling that seven states Enugu, Ondo, Ekiti, Imo, Oyo, Edo, and Kogi have
already taken over electricity regulation within their territories, while others such as Lagos,
Ogun, Niger, and Plateau are expected to complete their transitions between June and
September.