The Federal Government has emphasized the need for strong regulatory coordination between federal and state authorities to protect the integrity of the national electricity grid and enhance power delivery across the country.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, made the call during a meeting with state commissioners for energy on the development of sub national electricity markets held in Abuja.
He said the growing involvement of states in electricity regulation must align with national interests to prevent technical and regulatory disruptions.
While acknowledging states’ constitutional right to manage their electricity markets, Adelabu stressed that the Federal Government being the custodian of the national grid and wholesale electricity market must play a central coordinating role.
He warned that uncoordinated efforts at the sun national level could lead to technical instability, commercial inefficiencies, and regulatory conflicts, potentially affecting power supply across state boundaries and damaging investor confidence.
“The electricity market is an interconnected system that depends on synchronized generation, transmission, and distribution. Any misalignment can compromise grid stability,” Adelabu stated.
He urged state commissioners to focus on expanding access to electricity, particularly in unserved and underserved communities, which he described as a cornerstone of the national electrification agenda.
The Minister assured the states of the continued support of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), including technical and financial assistance for deploying mini-grids and standalone systems in remote and energy-poor areas.
To drive effective reform, Adelabu called for the harmonization of regulatory frameworks and standards between the federal and state levels, noting that such collaboration would provide investors with the confidence needed to support long-term power sector investments.