- NERC is marking its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of reforming and regulating Nigeria’s electricity sector since its establishment in 2005.
- It reaffirms commitment to consumer protection, investment, and energy transition under the Electricity Act 2023.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has launched a series of events to celebrate its 20th anniversary, highlighting two decades of reform, regulation, and transformation in the country’s power sector.
NERC was established on October 31, 2005, under the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, which the 2023 Electricity Act has since replaced. The Commission has shaped Nigeria’s electricity industry, from the unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria to the 2013 privatisation of generation and distribution companies and the ongoing evolution toward a competitive electricity market.
“This 20th anniversary is not just a milestone; it’s a reaffirmation of our mandate to protect consumers, promote investment, and ensure a level playing field in Nigeria’s electricity sector,” said NERC Vice-Chairman Musiliu Oseni. “We remain committed to driving reforms that deliver tangible value to Nigerians.”
Over the years, NERC has introduced key market rules, tariff frameworks, and performance standards that strike a balance between investor confidence and consumer protection. The Commission has also advanced renewable energy integration, off-grid electrification, and energy transition initiatives in line with Nigeria’s climate and development objectives.
According to NERC, the anniversary events will include technical panel sessions with industry experts, a staff wellness programme, and a student debate on energy efficiency. In addition, a commemorative dinner will honour past leaders, commissioners, and pioneering staff who have contributed to the Commission’s growth.
Furthermore, the milestone comes as Nigeria’s power sector undergoes sweeping changes under the 2023 Electricity Act, which decentralises electricity regulation and empowers states to establish their own regulatory bodies. NERC said it will continue to provide technical assistance and policy guidance to support state regulators and ensure national coherence.
The Commission pledged to deepen transparency, strengthen competition, and accelerate the transition to a fully competitive electricity market that guarantees reliable, affordable, and sustainable power for all Nigerians.