NERC Transfers Akwa Ibom Power Sector Oversight to State Regulator

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has transferred regulatory oversight of Akwa Ibom State’s electricity market to the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC).

The development follows the provisions of the amended Constitution and the Electricity Act 2023, which allow states to establish and regulate their intrastate electricity markets. However, NERC will retain regulatory responsibility for electricity activities that cross state or international boundaries.

Under the new arrangement, the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) has been directed to establish a subsidiary, PHEDC SubCo, which will take responsibility for electricity supply and distribution within Akwa Ibom State.

NERC directed PHEDC to complete the incorporation of the subsidiary within 60 days from August 18, 2026, after which the new company is expected to obtain an intrastate supply and distribution licence from AKSERC.

The commission said the transition to state regulation is expected to be completed by February 17, 2027, after which AKSERC will become the primary regulator of electricity activities within the state.

The development marks a major step in Akwa Ibom’s efforts to take greater responsibility for the regulation and development of its electricity market, following the inauguration of AKSERC by Governor Umo Eno in June 2026.

NERC’s move also makes Akwa Ibom the 17th state to receive an order transferring electricity market regulatory oversight from the federal commission to a state regulator.