By
Editor
The Forum of Commissioners for Power and Energy (FOCPEN) has issued a strong rebuttal to a recent report by The Guardian newspaper claiming that 24 Nigerian states have backpedaled on power market reforms following the enactment of the Electricity Act.
In a detailed statement, FOCPEN described the report as “erroneous, inaccurate, and not reflective of the true progress” being made across Nigeria’s states in advancing electricity market reforms.
Contrary to the newspaper’s claims, FOCPEN emphasized that no state has withdrawn its commitment to electricity market reforms.
On the contrary, the statement highlighted that more states are actively engaging with the new opportunities created under the Electricity Act, with many at various stages of legislative processes, regulatory formation, and market design.
Since the passage of the Electricity Act, 23 states have passed enabling laws to establish their own electricity markets, with more states expected to follow.
Currently, 14 states have formally transferred regulatory oversight to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), with recent additions including Bayelsa and Nasarawa states.
Akwa Ibom State, during its recently concluded Energy Summit, unveiled its state market blueprint, signaling strong intent to develop its electricity market locally.
Other states are similarly hosting workshops, stakeholder engagements, and policy dialogues to accelerate electricity sector reforms.
Several pioneering states have already constituted regulatory commissions, with others at advanced stages of doing so. This confirms that state electricity markets are operational and not just theoretical constructs.
Across all regions, states are exploring independent regulatory frameworks, tariff structures, and market designs.
FOCPEN reiterated that the Electricity Act has been a landmark law, opening the door for meaningful subnational participation in the power sector. States are approaching the reform process with seriousness and caution to ensure their frameworks are credible, bankable, and sustainable.
The statement read, "Far from retreating, momentum is growing as more states recognize the benefits of energy independence, regulatory autonomy, and consumer-focused power market reforms"
FOCPEN assured Nigerians that "No state has retreated from reform efforts, instead, they are advancing structured and deliberate changes"
It added that collaboration between states, the federal government, and development partners continues to ensure capacity building, smooth implementation, financial sustainability, and consumer protection.
"The goal is to strengthen power supply, improve governance, and expand access through transparent and competitive state-level electricity markets"
FOCPEN called on stakeholders and the media to report responsibly, reflecting the true progress and growing enthusiasm among Nigeria’s subnational governments in transforming the country’s electricity sector.
The statement was signed by Prince Eka Williams, Commissioner of Power and Renewable Energy, Cross River State and Chairman of FOCPEN; and Engr. Mohammed Ihiezue Abdulmutalib, Commissioner of Rural and Energy Development, Kogi State and Acting Secretary of FOCPEN.
