SNOW TV NEWS DESK
Ogun State is taking steps towards assuming full regulatory control of its electricity market, as the state electricity regulator seeks technical assistance and institutional support from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) ahead of the transition.
The move represents another significant development in Nigeria’s decentralization of electricity regulation, which allows states to establish and oversee electricity markets within their territories under the Electricity Act 2023.
The Ogun State Electricity Regulatory Commission (OGSERC) made the request during a courtesy visit to NERC’s headquarters on Friday, November 13, 2026.
The delegation was led by OGSERC Chairman-Designate Jide Onakoya and received by NERC Chairman Musiliu Oseni.
According to a statement released by NERC, discussions centered on building the technical and institutional capacity required for Ogun State to effectively manage its electricity market.
Both commissions identified tariff determination, consumer protection, and electricity market regulation as priority areas where cooperation and knowledge sharing would be necessary.
Why the Transition Matters
The planned takeover could give Ogun State greater control over how electricity services are regulated within its territory, including the ability to develop policies that reflect local energy needs and attract investment into electricity distribution.
Under the Electricity Act 2023, states can establish their own electricity markets, creating opportunities for independent power generation, distribution, and regulation within state boundaries.
For Ogun, which hosts numerous industrial estates, manufacturing companies, and commercial centers, a more responsive electricity market could become an important tool for economic development.
Businesses operating in areas with unreliable electricity supply often depend heavily on generators, increasing production costs and affecting competitiveness.
A properly regulated state electricity market could create opportunities for alternative electricity providers, encourage investment in distribution infrastructure, and potentially improve service delivery.
However, regulatory control alone will not automatically translate into more reliable electricity. The state will still need to address infrastructure gaps, attract credible investors, and establish effective mechanisms for resolving disputes between electricity providers and consumers.
NERC Promises Institutional Support
NERC said both institutions had reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration following the decentralization of electricity regulation.
The commission added that cooperation would involve exchanging regulatory experience, strengthening technical expertise, and improving OGSERC’s operational effectiveness.
It also emphasized the importance of safeguarding electricity consumers while creating an environment that encourages investment.
The Challenges Ahead
One of the biggest tests for Ogun State will be ensuring that the transition delivers measurable improvements rather than simply shifting regulatory responsibilities from the federal to the state level.
Tariff transparency, consumer protection, infrastructure investment, and effective enforcement will be critical to the success of the new arrangement.
For electricity consumers and businesses in Ogun, the expectation is straightforward: better regulation should eventually translate into more reliable power, improved service, and greater choice.
Whether the state can deliver these outcomes will determine the real value of taking control of its electricity market.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
