The Abia State Government has officially taken over electricity market regulation from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), marking a significant shift in the management of power distribution within the state.
This move follows recent reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector that grant states greater control over power generation, transmission, and distribution within their jurisdictions. Abia authorities say the transition is aimed at improving service delivery, strengthening oversight, and protecting electricity consumers from unfair practices.
State officials emphasized that power companies operating within Abia must comply with new regulatory standards or face sanctions. They warned against estimated billing abuses, arbitrary tariff hikes, and poor service delivery, noting that such practices would no longer be tolerated.
According to the government, the takeover will enable closer monitoring of electricity providers and ensure that consumers receive fair value for the services they pay for. Authorities also assured residents that new policies would prioritize transparency, accountability, and improved power supply.
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The development positions Abia among a growing number of states leveraging decentralization in the power sector to address long-standing electricity challenges and boost economic growth.
