States Oppose Proposed Amendments to Electricity Act

Sixteen states in Nigeria have expressed strong opposition to proposed amendments to the Electricity Act of 2023, which they argue would undermine the authority granted to them over the electricity sector. In a memorandum submitted to the Senate Committee on Power, dated May 26, 2026, the states warned that the amendments would reverse significant reforms in Nigeria's power sector.

The states, represented by their respective electricity regulatory commissions, argue that the proposed bill seeks to restore extensive federal oversight, which contradicts the constitutional powers already devolved to them. They highlighted concerns regarding provisions that would limit state participation in the wholesale electricity market and retain federal control over various aspects of electricity management.

The states are advocating for the preservation of their regulatory powers and have called for further consultations to ensure that the decentralization objectives of the Electricity Act are not weakened by the proposed amendments.