Historic Shift: Niger State Not Left Behind — Now Among 15 States Controlling Their Power Markets

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Niger State is no longer on the sidelines of Nigeria’s power reform. The state is now one of 15 with full regulatory control of its electricity market following the latest round of transitions under the Electricity Act 2023.

According to a document released Wednesday by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the transition began in October 2024 with Enugu and Ekiti leading on October 22. Ondo followed on October 23, with Imo joining by December 31, 2024. Oyo came on board February 5, 2025, Edo on February 20, 2025, and Kogi on March 12, 2025.

Lagos transitioned on June 4, 2025, creating room for stronger private sector participation. Ogun joined on June 23, 2025, while Niger State officially assumed regulatory control on July 9, 2025. Plateau followed on September 12, 2025. Abia joined December 24, 2025, with Anambra on January 1, 2026, Nasarawa on February 3, 2026, and Bayelsa completing the 15-state shift on February 20, 2026.

The 2023 Act fully liberalises electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. States, companies, and individuals can now generate, transmit, and distribute power under license. With the transition, State Electricity Regulators (SERs) now hold the mandate to oversee electricity generation, distribution, and market development within their jurisdictions.

This marks a major shift from a centrally regulated system to a localised framework where states can design solutions that fit their unique needs.

For Niger State, the timing aligns with the administration of Farmer Governor Umaru Bago. The New Niger Agenda places reliable electricity at the center of agricultural productivity, rural industrialisation, education, and healthcare.

With regulatory powers now domesticated, Niger State can license mini-grids, set cost-reflective tariffs, enforce service standards, and fast-track private investment based on its own development priorities.

The Honourable Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Honourable Suleiman Umar, said Niger State’s July 9, 2025 transition confirms the state is not left behind in the national power reform.

“Niger State is not just a participant in this decentralisation. We are prepared to be a model,” Umar said. “Under Farmer Governor Umaru Bago, we now have the legal authority to remove bottlenecks, license projects faster, and ensure that power gets to our farmers, schools, hospitals, and markets without delay.”

The Commissioner explained that the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy will now prioritise:

1. Rapid licensing: Clear, predictable processes for mini-grid and embedded generation projects within the state.

2. Rural coverage: Targeted programmes for the 25 LGAs to connect unserved and underserved communities.

3. Investor confidence: Transparent regulation and dispute resolution to attract credible developers.

4. Safety and standards: Strict monitoring by the State Electricity Regulator to protect consumers.

A Framework for Local Solutions

Decentralisation means Niger State can now tailor electricity delivery to its geography and economy. Instead of waiting on national-level approvals for every community project, the state regulator can approve and monitor projects that serve specific clusters of villages, irrigation schemes, or agro-processing zones.

For Farmer Governor Umaru Bago’s administration, this accelerates delivery on key promises of the New Niger Agenda. For citizens, it means quicker decision-making, local accountability, and power solutions built around actual community demand.

“Historic shift is the right word,” Commissioner Umar added. “The law has changed. The structure has changed. Niger State is not left behind. Now we move from policy to connections.”


A.B Makama 

Media Strategist To Honorable Commissioner Power and Renewable Energy 



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