FG Warns Discos To Accord Respect To States Electricity Regulators

The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, has told electricity distribution companies to treat state regulators with respect. The Vice Chairman of NERC, Musiliu Oseni, stated this at the commission’s quarterly stakeholders meeting, which ended in Lagos on Tuesday.

Power distributors had repeatedly countered state regulatory commissions on matters of electricity tariffs, a development that consistently pitched the two groups at opposing ends.

Oseni urged the Discos to strengthen their relationships with state regulators, underscoring the need for open communication, transparency, accountability, and mutual respect.

“Discos must do better with state regulators—first impressions last. Be open about your challenges so they can work with you. Above all, treat state regulators with the respect they deserve. A timely reminder that collaboration is essential to building a fair, resilient, and sustainable electricity market for Nigeria,” Oseni said.

However, Oseni also urged State Electricity Regulatory Commissions/Bureaus to prioritise advancing their state electricity markets “rather than relying on Federal Government subsidies.”

The PUNCH earlier reported that, as the crisis between states and electricity distribution companies continues to degenerate over who has the power to fix electricity tariffs, NERC had to summon all the stakeholders to a meeting.

Energy commissioners of state governments, under their umbrella body known as the Forum of Commissioners for Power and Energy in Nigeria, have repeatedly insisted that the Electricity Act, 2023 (Amended), has empowered state governments to regulate their respective power markets.