Rivers State remains among 21 states that have not assumed regulatory control of their electricity markets, nearly three years after the Electricity Act 2023 took effect.
While 15 other states now manage their own power sectors, Rivers and its peers continue to rely on federal oversight.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) stated that the 15 transitioned states established independent regulatory frameworks.
These states now oversee market development, attract investments, set tariffs, and protect consumers within their borders.
They include Enugu, Ekiti, Ondo, Imo, Oyo, Edo, Kogi, Lagos, Ogun, Niger, Plateau, Abia, Nasarawa, Anambra, and Bayelsa.
Under the Act, states gain power to regulate generation, transmission, and distribution once they complete legal and administrative processes.
NERC retains authority only over national grid and interstate operations.
Enugu and Ekiti pioneered the shift in October 2024, followed by Ondo. The pace increased in 2025 with Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Edo joining.
Nasarawa, Anambra, and Bayelsa completed their transitions between January and February 2026.
The 21 states yet to transition are Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara, Osun, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
Industry experts highlight that Rivers’ delay could slow local investments in mini-grids, embedded generation, and improved supply for its industrial and residential users.
Some transitioned states have still not fully set up their regulatory commissions.
Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu recently urged all remaining states, including Rivers, to act swiftly.
“In a country as big as Nigeria, centralisation cannot work,” he said at an energy summit in Lagos.
He stressed that states must take charge of generation, transmission, distribution, and off-grid solutions to end the power crisis.
