Power Shift: Nasarawa Takes Control of Electricity Market as NERC Bows to State Autonomy

Nasarawa State has officially joined the ranks of Nigerian states assuming control over their electricity markets, becoming the 12th state to do so in accordance with the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) disclosed this development in an official statement posted via X, announcing the transfer of regulatory oversight to the Nasarawa State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NASERC).

This transition is part of ongoing reforms following the amended Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the recently revised Electricity Act. As part of the directive, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has been instructed to establish a subsidiary within 60 days—effective from August 4, 2025—to oversee the intrastate distribution and supply of electricity within Nasarawa State.

NERC emphasized that the full regulatory transition should be completed by February 3, 2026. The commission had previously executed similar regulatory handovers to states including Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, and Oyo.

According to IREPORTER ONLINE, Plateau State is next in line, with its regulatory oversight expected to be transferred by September 12, 2025. Meanwhile, Abia and Delta States have submitted readiness notifications, signalling preparations for similar handovers in the near future.

These transitions mark a pivotal shift in Nigeria’s electricity market structure, empowering state governments to play a direct role in regulating and managing power distribution within their jurisdictions.