The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has issued an order transferring regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Akwa Ibom State to the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

In a statement yesterday, NERC said the decision was in compliance with the amended Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the amended Electricity Act 2023.

It will be recalled that under the Electricity Act 2023, NERC retains its role as the central regulator with oversight of inter-state and international electricity generation, transmission, supply, trading and system operations.

The Act also requires any state seeking to establish and regulate an intrastate electricity market to formally notify NERC of its plans and request the transfer of regulatory authority over electricity operations within the state to the state regulator.

The order directs Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc to establish a subsidiary, PHEDC SubCo, which will take over responsibility for the intrastate supply and distribution of electricity in Akwa Ibom State from PHEDC.

“PHEDC shall complete the incorporation of PHEDC SubCo within 60 days from 18th August 2026. The sub-company shall apply for and obtain licence for the intrastate supply and distribution of electricity from AKSERC, among other directives. All transfers envisaged by this Order shall be completed by 17th February 2027,” it stated.