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By Daniel Adaji
The Forum of Commissioners for Power and Energy (FOCPEN) has dismissed reports suggesting that Nigerian States have withdrawn from ongoing electricity market reforms.
It noted that all sub-national governments remain firmly committed to implementing the provisions of the Electricity Act.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday jointly signed by Prince Eka Williams, Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Cross River State, and Chairman of FOCPEN, alongside Engr. Mohammed Ihiezue Abdulmutalib, Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Kogi State, and Acting Secretary of FOCPEN, the forum described a recent publication by a national newspaper, titled “24 States backpedal on power market reforms over tariff, debt risks”, as “erroneous, inaccurate, and not reflective of the true position and progress of Nigeria’s States in advancing electricity market reforms.”
According to FOCPEN, “no State has withdrawn or reversed its commitment to electricity market reforms.” The forum explained that rather than retreating, more States are embracing the opportunities created by the Electricity Act and are currently at various stages of legislation, regulatory formation, and market design.
It noted significant progress made by subnational governments since the passage of the Electricity Act, revealing that twenty-three (23) States have already enacted enabling laws to establish their own electricity markets, with more joining in.
FOCPEN further disclosed that 14 States have received formal transfers of regulatory oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). It cited Bayelsa and Nasarawa as the latest examples undergoing formal transfer processes.
The forum also highlighted that Akwa Ibom State, during its recent Energy Summit, unveiled a market blueprint signaling its determination to develop a state electricity market. Other States, it said, are hosting stakeholder engagements, workshops, and policy dialogues aimed at localizing electricity governance.
“Regulatory Commissions have been constituted in pioneering States, with others at advanced stages of setting up theirs, showing that the state markets are operational, not theoretical,” FOCPEN stated.
It reaffirmed that the Electricity Act remains a landmark legislation that empowers subnational governments to participate meaningfully in power generation, distribution, and regulation.
“States are approaching this transition with seriousness and caution, ensuring that their frameworks are credible, bankable, and sustainable,” the forum stated, adding that the growing momentum across the country reflects the benefits of energy independence, regulatory autonomy, and consumer-focused reforms.
Reiterating its commitment to national development, FOCPEN assured Nigerians that “States are not retreating; they are advancing with structured, deliberate reforms.”
The forum added that collaboration with the Federal Government and development partners remains ongoing to build capacity, ensure smooth implementation, financial sustainability, and protect consumers. The ultimate goal, it said, is to strengthen power supply, enhance accountability, and expand access through transparent and competitive state-level markets.
“The reality is that no State has retreated from reform. Instead, more States are passing laws, constituting commissions, and assuming regulatory powers every quarter,” it stated.
Describing the power sector transformation as “a journey, not an event,” FOCPEN reaffirmed that it and its member States remain “fully committed to delivering on the promise of the Electricity Act, ensuring that the gains of decentralisation translate into reliable power supply, improved governance, and greater access for all Nigerians.”