By Our Correspondent

National News – The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has disclosed that 21 states, including Rivers State and Kano State, are yet to assume control of their electricity markets, nearly three years after the Electricity Act 2023 came into force.

The delay has been attributed to slow progress in setting up the legal and administrative structures required for decentralised electricity regulation.

According to the commission, only 15 states have completed the transition and established independent electricity regulatory frameworks.

States such as Lagos State, Oyo State, and Enugu State are now responsible for licensing, tariff regulation, market development, and consumer protection within their jurisdictions.

However, several states, including Kaduna State, Delta State, and Sokoto State, are still lagging behind.

Industry experts warn that the slow pace of transition could undermine efforts to improve electricity supply, discourage investment in off-grid and renewable energy projects, and delay the introduction of flexible, localised tariff systems.

Under the decentralised framework, states that complete the transition take over intrastate electricity regulation, while the national regulator retains authority over interstate and grid-related operations.

The reform is expected to encourage private sector participation and strengthen electricity service delivery across different regions.

Speaking in Lagos, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu emphasised the need for state governments to take full advantage of the autonomy provided by the law.

He noted that decentralisation remains a critical step toward addressing Nigeria’s long-standing electricity challenges and improving power supply nationwide.

Stakeholders maintain that the pace at which states establish their regulatory institutions will play a major role in determining the success of the ongoing electricity reforms.