The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has formally transferred regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Gombe State to the Gombe State Electricity Regulatory Commission (GOSERC), in line 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 milestone in the decentralization of Nigeria’s power sector.
In a public notice issued, NERC said the handover followed Gombe State’s compliance with all conditions stipulated under the law, including formal notification of its intention to assume regulatory authority over its intrastate electricity market.
NERC explained 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 boundaries.
“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.
It added that the Act mandates any state seeking to regulate its intrastate electricity market to formally notify NERC and request the transfer of regulatory authority, a requirement Gombe State has fulfilled.
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As part of the transition framework, NERC directed Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED) to incorporate a subsidiary company that will assume responsibility for electricity supply and distribution within Gombe State.
According to the order, the new entity, to be known as JED SubCo, must be incorporated within 60 days from January 7, 2026. Upon incorporation, the subsidiary is required to apply for and obtain an intrastate electricity licence from GOSERC. All transfers envisaged under 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, adding that compliance with the timelines is mandatory.
Gombe’s entry into state-level electricity regulation adds to a growing list of subnational governments taking advantage of recent constitutional and legislative reforms to assume control of electricity markets within their territories.
Since the passage 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 represent a major shift from Nigeria’s historically centralised electricity governance structure, enabling states to set tariffs, issue licences, attract private investment and regulate distribution and supply in line with local conditions.
While the move is expected to accelerate 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.
