Niger Takes Charge of Electricity Regulation, Marks New Era in Energy Governance

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has officially granted Niger State the authority to regulate its electricity market, making it the ninth state to receive such a mandate.
The move, which was formalized through a directive on Friday, has empowered the newly formed Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NSERC) to oversee the electricity sector within the state.
This decision is in line with the provisions of the amended Constitution of Nigeria and the Electricity Act of 2023.
Niger’s regulatory independence follows a growing trend, as the state joins other states like Imo, Enugu, and Oyo in assuming control over their intra-state energy markets.
NERC’s order transfers regulatory oversight from the national commission to the state level while maintaining NERC’s role as the overarching body for inter-state and international electricity operations.
The directive also mandates Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc (IBEDC) to establish subsidiaries to manage intra-state electricity distribution in Niger, with full compliance required by July 2025.
Both subsidiaries must obtain licenses from NSERC after incorporating within the next two months.
This historic decision is expected to enhance local control and governance over electricity distribution, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s energy regulatory framework.