The Nigerian Electrical energy Regulatory Fee (NERC) has inaugurated a brand new group, the Discussion board of Nigerian Electrical energy Regulators (FONER) aimed toward enhancing coordination and effectiveness in electrical energy regulation throughout Nigeria.
Talking on the first quarter 2026 regulatory assembly with State Electrical energy Regulators (SERs) in Lagos, NERC Chairman, Dr Musiliu Oseni, described the initiative as a significant step in Nigeria’s transition to a multi-level electrical energy market.
Inaugurating the discussion board, Oseni emphasised the necessity for collaboration to stop regulatory loopholes throughout the sector.
FONER, he stated, is predicted to drive key regulatory goals, together with fostering dialogue between NERC and states, selling harmonisedapproaches in tariff setting, market operations, client safety, and supporting capacity-building by means of peer studying.
The discussion board, in response to him, may even function a consultative platform for electrical energy market reforms whereas advancing transparency, accountability, and nationwide regulatory benchmarks.
“Electrical energy is the oxygen for {economic} development and prosperity. Sadly, our business is fraught with various challenges which require efficient coordination and synergy among the many captains of the business.
“As regulators, we are sometimes considered arbiters of the business, however our mandate goes deeper—we’re drivers of innovation, funding and {economic} development, guardians of client safety and protector of overriding public pursuits.
“This discussion board is established to make sure efficient collaboration between federal and state electrical energy regulators and guarantee constant regulatory frameworks, safeguard client pursuits, promote funding, and strengthen the technical and institutional capability of electrical energy regulators in Nigeria,” Osenistated.
In accordance with him, a Technical Working Group (TWG) was constituted in September 2025, comprising representatives from NERC and SERCs, with the Secretary to the Fee serving as Ex-Officio Secretary.
The occasion additionally witnessed the signing and launch of the FONER Constitution, and the inauguration of the discussion board’s management led by Oseni function Chairman, alongside Chijioke Okonkwo of the Enugu State Electrical energy Regulatory Fee (ESERC) as Vice Chairman, and Aisha Mahmud, NERC Commissioner, Stakeholder Administration Division as Secretary.
The quarterly regulatory assembly, in response to NERC, continues to function a platform for the fee and state regulators to trade concepts, strengthen collaboration, and drive enhancements in Nigeria’s electrical energy provide business, with the last word purpose of increasing entry to dependable energy for Nigerians.
“The problem going through our business is commonly decreased to a particular phase of the worth chain: technology, transmission or distribution drawback. Nevertheless, this reductionism is deceptive.
“The important thing problem is: now we have an electrical energy market drawback! The primary query will not be how a lot energy can we generate? Somewhat, the important thing query is: how can our market function sustainably? Addressing this key query is important to addressing the challenges going through our business,” Oseni acknowledged.
Emmanuel Addeh
Times Nigeria