Fifteen Nigerian states are set to begin regulating their own electricity sectors by 2026, a move aimed at addressing persistent power supply issues. The initiative comes amid ongoing national grid failures, including two major collapses within four days in January—on January 23 and January 27—which left millions without electricity. These outages were largely attributed to insufficient gas supply to power generation plants. The federal government has acknowledged the need for structural reform in the power sector, with plans to decentralize regulation allowing states to take greater control over electricity distribution and infrastructure development. States involved in the plan are expected to establish independent regulatory frameworks tailored to local energy needs, though specific names of the states have not been disclosed. The shift marks a significant departure from the current centralized model managed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Officials cite the decentralization plan as a response to decades of underperformance in the national power system.
The decision to allow 15 states to regulate their electricity sectors by 2026 signals a quiet but profound shift in Nigeria's energy governance—one that exposes the federal government's waning credibility in managing national infrastructure. With the grid collapsing twice in under a week in January and gas supply failures becoming routine, the push for state-level regulation is less about innovation and more about damage control.
This move reflects a broader reality: Nigeria's centralized utilities have failed to keep pace with the demands of a population exceeding 200 million. By 2026, if implemented, the reform could empower states with the authority to attract private investment, bypass federal bottlenecks, and tailor solutions to local realities—especially in regions long neglected by national grid expansion.
Ordinary Nigerians, particularly businesses and households in areas with functional gas or solar potential, may finally see more reliable power if state regulators act decisively. But without clear transparency on which states are included and how funding will be structured, the plan risks becoming another unfulfilled promise.
This is not an isolated policy shift—it follows years of failed privatizations and growing calls for fiscal federalism. If 15 states gain real control, it could set a precedent for rethinking how essential services are delivered in Nigeria.
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