States Reaffirm Commitment to Electricity Act, Dismiss Withdrawal Claims

The Forum of Commissioners for Power and Energy (FOCPEN) has restated the firm commitment of Nigerian states to fully implement the Electricity Act, describing recent reports of withdrawal by some states as misleading and untrue.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Forum and Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy in Cross River State, Prince Eka Williams, and the acting Secretary and Kogi State Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Engr. Mohammed Abdulmutalib, the commissioners said the decentralisation of the power sector remains firmly on course.

According to FOCPEN, the goal is to achieve reliable electricity supply, strengthen governance, and expand access to power across the country.

The Forum faulted a publication alleging that 24 states had begun to reconsider their participation in electricity market reforms due to tariff concerns and debt exposure, describing it as “erroneous, inaccurate, and not reflective of the true situation.”

“No state has withdrawn or suspended its participation in the electricity reform process,” the statement read. “On the contrary, more states are actively pursuing the opportunities provided by the Electricity Act and are at various stages of legislation, regulatory setup, and market design.”

FOCPEN noted that the transformation of Nigeria’s electricity sector is a gradual but steady process designed to promote efficiency, transparency, and sustainable access to affordable power.

“The reform journey is not an event but a structured transition,” the commissioners stated. “Member states remain fully committed to ensuring that the benefits of decentralisation translate into improved power supply, better governance, and wider access for Nigerians.”

The Forum reaffirmed its readiness to continue collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Power, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), development partners, and private investors to build technical capacity, enhance rural electrification, and promote renewable energy development nationwide.

FOCPEN also appealed to the media and stakeholders to report developments in the sector with accuracy and responsibility, noting that the growing enthusiasm among states demonstrates a shared determination to make the Electricity Act a success story for the nation.