In a continued push to decentralise Nigeria’s power sector, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has formally transferred regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Abia State to the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA).

This development was disclosed in a statement released via NERC’s official X (formerly Twitter) account yesterday, signifying another milestone in the country’s gradual shift towards sub-national control of electricity regulation.

“In compliance with the amended Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) and the Electricity Act 2023 (Amended), NERC has issued an order to transfer regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Abia State from the Commission to ASERA,” the statement read.

NERC confirmed that the Abia State Government met all legal and procedural requirements necessary to initiate the transfer.

“The Abia State Government complied with the conditions precedent in the laws, duly notified NERC, and requested the transfer of regulatory oversight of the intrastate electricity market in Abia State,” the statement added.

As part of the regulatory transition, NERC has directed the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), currently serving the region, to establish a dedicated subsidiary, EEDC SubCo, that will be responsible for electricity supply and distribution exclusively within Abia State.

The directive further stipulates that the EEDC SubCo must be incorporated within 60 days from June 25, 2025. The new entity is also required to “apply for and obtain a licence for the intrastate supply and distribution of electricity from ASERA, among other directives.” All aspects of the transfer are to be concluded by December 24, 2025.