The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has transferred regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Akwa Ibom State to the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC).
NERC announced the development in a statement on Wednesday, saying the transfer was carried out in line with the amended Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electricity Act 2023, as amended.
Under the Electricity Act, NERC will continue to regulate interstate and international electricity generation, transmission, supply, trading and system operations. However, states seeking to establish and regulate their own intrastate electricity markets can formally notify NERC and request the transfer of regulatory authority to their state regulator.
As part of the transfer order, NERC directed Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) Plc to establish a subsidiary, PHEDC SubCo, which will take responsibility for electricity supply and distribution within Akwa Ibom State.
PHEDC has been given 60 days from August 18, 2026, to complete the incorporation of the subsidiary. PHEDC SubCo will also be required to obtain a licence from AKSERC before carrying out intrastate electricity supply and distribution operations.
NERC said all transfers covered by the order are expected to be completed by February 17, 2027, marking a major step toward state-level regulation of Akwa Ibom’s electricity market.
Source: NERC
