Valentine Okafor
State Governments who are now gradually taking advantage of the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023, to take over electricity regulatory responsibilities are getting more insights in how to create strong electricity market structure.
This is being facilitated by the United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNIAF), which in partnership with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), recently concluded a nationwide initiative aimed at advancing state-led electricity market reforms through the State Learning Workshop series focused on electricity market development, integrated resource planning (IRP) and energy modelling.
The workshops held in Lagos, Calabar, Kano and Jos, and drew participation from all 36 states and the FCT.
The sessions equipped policymakers, regulators and stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to design sustainable and investor-ready electricity markets aligned with the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023.
Reflecting on the significance of the initiative, the director of the legal/head power desk at the NGF, Chijioke Chuku said Nigeria’s electricity future depends on States leading with vision and technical precision. “Through the workshop series, we are equipping States not just with knowledge but with the confidence to take charge of their electricity markets. The NGF is proud to partner with UKNIAF to ensure the promise of the Electricity Act 2023 becomes a lived reality across the country.”
The workshops featured sessions on legal and regulatory pathways for establishing state electricity markets, commercial models for private investment, integration of State plans into the National IRP and hands-on training on energy modelling software.
The initiative also drew on lessons from UKNIAF’s work with Akwa Ibom, Enugu and Oyo states, early movers in electricity market development, as well as technical support provided to the Federal Ministry of Power in drafting the National Integrated Electricity Policy and Nigeria’s first National Integrated Resource Plan, both recently approved.
With States now empowered by the Electricity Act 2023, the series represents a timely step to ensure capacity, coordination and sustainability in Nigeria’s decentralised energy landscape.