Gombe joins growing list of states taking control of intrastate power regulation under Electricity Act 2023
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 a statement issued on Wednesday, NERC said the handover was carried out in line with the amended Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023 (as amended).
The Commission explained that while it remains the central regulator for the electricity sector, its role under the new legal framework is limited to oversight of inter-state and international electricity generation, transmission, trading, supply and system operations.
“With the Electricity Act 2023, the Commission retains its role as the central regulator with oversight on inter-state and international electricity activities,” NERC stated.
“The Act also empowers states to establish and regulate their own intrastate electricity markets, subject to formal notification and compliance with prescribed conditions, upon which NERC is required to transfer regulatory authority to the state regulator.”
According to NERC, the Gombe State Government fulfilled all statutory requirements, formally notified the Commission of its readiness, and requested the transfer of regulatory authority over electricity operations within the state.
As part of the transfer order, Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED) has been directed to establish a subsidiary JED SubCo which will take over responsibility for the intrastate supply and distribution of electricity in Gombe State.
NERC said JED is required to complete the incorporation of the subsidiary within 60 days from January 7, 2026.
“The subsidiary company shall apply for and obtain the necessary licence for intrastate electricity supply and distribution from GOSERC, alongside compliance with other directives contained in the order,” the Commission added.
NERC further disclosed that all transition activities covered by the transfer order are expected to be completed by July 6, 2026.
The development is part of a broader decentralisation of Nigeria’s electricity sector, following reforms introduced under the Electricity Act 2023, which allows states to independently manage electricity generation, transmission and distribution within their territories.
In 2024, NERC began implementing the framework for transferring regulatory authority to willing states. On January 14, 2025, the Commission announced the completion of regulatory transfers to Enugu, Imo, Ondo and Ekiti states, while Oyo, Edo, Kogi, Lagos, Ogun and Niger states had commenced the process.
The Commission later confirmed that Plateau and Abia states had also completed the transition to state-level electricity regulation.
