The Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr Musiliu Oseni, said the ongoing decentralisation of electricity regulation in Nigeria would improve efficiency in tariff administration and bring regulatory oversight closer to electricity consumers and utilities.

Oseni, who spoke on the evolving structure of the power sector during the Commission’s regional seminar for judges in Lagos, said the reform framework would ensure more responsive tariff adjustments and reduce the systemic pressure that comes with nationwide reactions to pricing decisions.

He explained that the shift in regulatory responsibilities would make tariff reviews more measured and geographically responsive, rather than centrally driven outcomes that trigger widespread public backlash across the country.

“Managing the tariff or pricing will also be more measured, in the sense that even if there is any review of tariffs, you won’t have the whole country complaining at the same time.”

Oseni also stressed that the decentralised structure would strengthen consumer protection and improve the speed of complaint resolution, as regulatory authorities would now operate closer to end-users within their respective jurisdictions.

He, however, acknowledged that the new regulatory structure would introduce fresh challenges, particularly as disputes could arise between consumers and multiple regulators, as well as between state electricity regulators and NERC, requiring effective coordination as the country’s electricity market continues its transition.