The disagreement surfaced at an event in Abuja marking the 20th anniversary of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, said the Electricity Act empowers states to leverage local resources to meet specific energy needs. Represented by the Director of Distribution, Umar Mustapha, Chief Adelabu emphasized collaboration between federal and state governments, as well as the private sector, to enhance power delivery.
He said, “The Act allows states, many of which are larger than some neighbouring countries, to take charge of their destinies. They can leverage solar, hydro, or wind resources to build grids that meet their economic and social needs. By opening the value chain to states and private investors while fostering competition, consumers will have more options, better services, and innovative pricing.”
Adelabu cautioned against hasty amendments to the Act, noting that it should first be fully implemented. He added that the Federal Ministry of Power is developing a National Electricity Policy Coordination Framework to align federal and state actions, support the establishment of new state regulators, and strengthen investor confidence through policy consistency and regulatory clarity.