Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged state governments to establish their own electricity markets and attract private investors instead of relying on the Federal Government to provide electricity.
Shettima made the call on Wednesday at a national stakeholders’ workshop on the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia.
The Vice-President said the law gives states the opportunity to regulate electricity markets within their jurisdictions, allowing them to develop solutions that reflect their energy resources and local needs.
He noted that states such as Sokoto, Borno and Katsina have significant solar energy potential, while Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa could leverage their natural gas resources. Niger and Kebbi states, he added, could explore hydropower opportunities.
Shettima urged states that had yet to establish electricity regulatory bodies to do so, stressing that effective regulation would help attract investment and improve electricity access.
He also proposed a voluntary National Electricity Reform Peer Review and Implementation Framework involving the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Federal Ministry of Power, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and state electricity regulators.
The framework is expected to enable states to share experiences and assess their electricity markets, investment readiness and consumer protection measures.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Power, Mahmuda Mamman, said the success of the electricity reforms would depend on credible institutions and commercially viable markets.
Similarly, the Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr Abdulateef Shittu, said efforts were underway to strengthen coordination among states and develop a standard tariff framework that protects consumers while encouraging investment.
The Deputy General Manager and Head of Compliance at NERC, Hauwa Yakubu, disclosed that electricity regulatory responsibilities had been transferred to 17 states, with Akwa Ibom being the most recent to assume the role.
