In a recent development, the Federal Government has reversed its decision to suspend the devolution of electricity regulatory responsibilities to state governments.
During a stakeholders’ workshop in Lagos, hosted by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu announced the reinstatement.
The event, focusing on the Electricity Act’s enactment, saw participation from energy commissioners across all 36 states.
This turnaround follows Minister Adelabu’s earlier declaration to pause the autonomy transfer and initiate a pilot phase with selected states—a move that sparked widespread uncertainty regarding the legality of such an action against the established Act.
Minister Adelabu clarified the government’s stance, affirming adherence to the law: “The new Act explicitly grants regulatory autonomy to the states, and it is not within the power of any single individual to contravene this statute. As public servants committed to the rule of law, we must honor and enforce this provision.”
