EERC Chairman Advocates Strong State Electricity Markets at Presidential Villa Workshop on Electricity Act
Abuja, Nigeria | October 22, 2026
Our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Chijioke Okonkwo, emphasized the need for states to fully understand and maximize the opportunities provided by the Electricity Act 2023, describing the legislation as a transformative pathway for decentralizing Nigeria's power sector and improving electricity access across the country.
Mr. Okonkwo made the remarks while serving as a panelist at the two-day National Workshop on the Electricity Act 2023 (As Amended) held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, from October 21 to 22, 2026. The workshop, themed "Empowering the States: Reviewing the Electricity Act 2023," was organized by the Office of the Vice President in collaboration with AllStates Management Partners Solutions Limited.
The high-level gathering brought together state governments, state electricity regulators, federal institutions including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), investors, developers, financiers, legal experts, and other stakeholders to address practical implementation challenges arising from the Electricity Act.
A major focus of discussions was the transition of electricity market powers to states following the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023. Participants examined the requirements for establishing viable state electricity markets, including regulatory institutions, licensing frameworks, tariff methodologies, investment attraction strategies, consumer protection mechanisms, and mini-grid development.
Declaring the workshop open on behalf of Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia proposed establishing a National Electricity Reform Peer Review and Implementation Framework. The framework is expected to bring together NERC, the Federal Ministry of Power, the Nigeria Governors' Forum and state regulators to monitor and evaluate reform progress annually. It was also disclosed that regulatory responsibilities have now been transferred to 17 states, with Akwa Ibom among the latest beneficiaries.
Speaking during the panel sessions, Mr. Okonkwo stressed the importance of awareness and collaboration among industry stakeholders.
"It is very important that the critical stakeholders, the federal, state and other operators in the industry are fully abreast of what opportunities the Act presents," he stated.
Our Chairman/CEO noted that the legislation presents a historic opportunity to decentralize electricity governance and empower states to meet the energy needs of their residents and businesses directly. He further argued that state electricity markets must be built on sound commercial principles, particularly the willing seller, willing buyer model, to ensure sustainability, investor confidence, and reliable service delivery.
According to him, successful state electricity markets will depend on transparent regulations, bankable projects, and a business environment that encourages private sector participation while protecting consumers.
Throughout the workshop, stakeholders repeatedly examined how states can translate their newly acquired legal powers into functioning electricity markets capable of attracting investments and delivering improved power supply.
For the EERC, one of the leading state electricity regulators, the event provided an opportunity to exchange experiences, share best practices, and identify solutions to common implementation challenges facing state regulators nationwide.
As deliberations concluded, a clear message emerged from both the workshop and the EERC Chairman: while the Electricity Act has empowered states with unprecedented authority in the power sector, the success of the reforms will ultimately depend on effective implementation, regulatory certainty, and sustained commitment from all stakeholders.
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