NERC unveils forum to harmonise federal, state electricity rules

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The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has unveiled the Forum of Nigerian Electricity Regulators, a new collaborative platform aimed at strengthening coordination, harmonising standards, and closing regulatory gaps in Nigeria’s evolving electricity sector.

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In a statement obtained from the commission’s X handle on Wednesday, NERC Chairman, Dr. Musiliu Oseni, formally inaugurated the forum during the first quarter 2026 Regulatory Meeting with State Electricity Regulators in Lagos.

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Oseni described the initiative as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s transition to a multi-level electricity market under the Electricity Act 2023.

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He stressed the need for closer collaboration between federal and state regulators to prevent regulatory arbitrage — where operators exploit differences in rules across jurisdictions.

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“We must work collaboratively to avoid regulatory arbitrage by operators. I charge all of us to carry out this mandate with the highest sense of responsibility,” Oseni said.

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Pursuant to Section 230(9) of the Electricity Act 2023, he officially declared the Forum of Nigerian Electricity Regulators (FONER) duly inaugurated.

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The forum is expected to foster regular dialogue and peer learning between NERC and State Electricity Regulators, promote harmonised approaches to tariff setting, market operations, licensing, and consumer protection, support capacity building and technical cooperation, serve as a consultative platform for electricity market reforms, and establish national regulatory benchmarks while advancing transparency and accountability.

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The inauguration marks the institutionalisation of FONER, moving it from an informal arrangement to a formal body that will help improve electricity supply, expand access, and build investor confidence in the sector.

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Oseni called on all regulators to embrace the forum with dedication, noting that effective regulation is critical to delivering reliable and affordable power to Nigerians.

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The quarterly regulatory meetings will continue to serve as a key platform for ongoing collaboration between NERC and state regulators.

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This development comes amid ongoing efforts to address challenges in Nigeria’s power sector and accelerate the shift toward a more decentralised and competitive electricity market.

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