The Federal Government has reversed its decision to halt the transfer of electricity regulatory oversight to state governments, as confirmed by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu. This announcement was made during a two-day stakeholders’ workshop organized by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in Lagos yesterday.
The workshop, which focused on the implementation of the Electricity Act, saw the participation of the 36 state commissioners of energy and power. Minister Adelabu’s clarification followed his earlier announcement of plans to delay the transfer of regulatory autonomy to states and conduct a test phase with a few selected states, causing confusion about his authority to counter the Act.
Addressing the stakeholders, Adelabu emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to adhering to the provisions of the new Electricity Act. “Granting of regulatory autonomy to states is a provision of the new Act and no one person can single-handedly go against the Act,” he stated. “It’s a provision of the law and no law-abiding officer of the state will want to go against the law. It is already included, and it must be duly respected.”
The minister’s reaffirmation underscores the Federal Government’s dedication to the legal framework established by the new Act, ensuring that states will maintain their regulatory autonomy as stipulated. This decision is expected to enhance regulatory efficiency and responsiveness at the state level, fostering a more decentralized and effective oversight of the electricity sector.
The stakeholders’ workshop also highlighted the significant role of state governments in the new regulatory landscape and the importance of collaboration between federal and state authorities to ensure the smooth implementation of the Electricity Act.
