The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has transferred regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Gombe State to the Gombe State Electricity Regulatory Commission (GOSERC), in accordance with the amended Constitution and the Electricity Act 2023.
The transfer, effected through an order issued by NERC, removes Gombe State from the commission’s direct regulatory control over intrastate electricity activities, marking another step in the decentralization of Nigeria’s power sector.
In a public notice, NERC said the handover followed Gombe State’s compliance with all statutory requirements, including formal notification of its intention to assume regulatory authority over its intrastate electricity market.
NERC clarified that while it retains its role as the central regulator for interstate and international electricity generation, transmission, trading and system operations, the Electricity Act empowers states to establish and regulate electricity markets within their jurisdictions.
“In compliance with the amended Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electricity Act 2023, the commission has issued an order to transfer regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Gombe State from NERC to the Gombe State Electricity Regulatory Commission,” the notice stated.
The commission added that the Act requires any state seeking to regulate its intrastate electricity market to formally notify NERC and request the transfer of regulatory authority, a condition Gombe State has met.
As part of the transition framework, NERC directed Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED) to incorporate a subsidiary company that will take over electricity supply and distribution responsibilities within Gombe State.
Under the order, the new entity, to be known as JED SubCo, is to be incorporated within 60 days from January 7, 2026. The subsidiary is also required to apply for and obtain an intrastate electricity licence from GOSERC. All transfers outlined in the order must be completed on or before July 6, 2026.
“The transfer order directs Jos Electricity Distribution Plc to incorporate a subsidiary to assume responsibilities for intrastate supply and distribution of electricity in Gombe State,” NERC said, stressing that compliance with the timelines is mandatory.
Gombe’s move into state-level electricity regulation adds to a growing list of subnational governments leveraging recent constitutional and legislative reforms to take control of electricity markets within their territories.
Since the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023, at least 12 states, including Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, Plateau, Imo and Cross River, have established electricity regulatory commissions or are at advanced stages of assuming intrastate regulatory oversight.
The reforms mark a significant departure from Nigeria’s historically centralised electricity governance framework, allowing states to set tariffs, issue licences, attract private investment and regulate electricity distribution and supply in line with local conditions.
While the shift is expected to boost electricity access, improve service delivery and unlock sub national investment particularly in renewable and embedded generation experts have raised concerns about coordination between federal and state regulators, regulatory fragmentation and the financial health of distribution companies now required to unbundle operations along state lines.