By Kehinde Erin
The Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission, recently organised a stakeholders’ engagement town hall meeting, themed “Kogi State Electricity Market Kick-Off,” aimed at launching the state’s electricity market and addressing the challenges faced by electricity consumers in Kogi State.
The town hall meeting, held at Reverton Hotel in Lokoja, brought stakeholders together to discuss, improve, and rectify issues plaguing the electricity market, ensuring a better experience for consumers.
Engr. Ibrahim Sunday Abdulwaaris, Chairman/CEO of the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission, praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for making the electricity sector a top priority.
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He also expressed gratitude to the Kogi State Government and Assembly for establishing the Commission by passing the state electricity Bill 2023 into law, calling it a significant step towards driving development in the state.
He highlighted the summary of the journey towards establishing the Kogi State Electricity Market saying the journey began with the signing of the Electricity Act by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), in June 2023, which empowered states to develop their electricity markets.
Kogi State followed suit by passing the Kogi State Electricity Bill in June 2024. The state then notified the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and requested the transfer of regulatory responsibilities for the intra-state electricity market in August 2025
He further stressed that NERC issued an order for the transition to a state market in September 2024, paving the way for the Kogi State Electricity Market to officially kick off on March 12, 2025.
The Chairman emphasised the importance of establishing a state electricity market in Kogi, highlighting its numerous benefits. This market will provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity, while also bringing decision-making closer to consumers.
According to him, it will regulate and manage the electricity market directly for the benefit of Kogi residents, ensuring improved service quality, accountability, transparency, and more transparent electricity tariffs. Ultimately, the market aims to establish a perfect regulatory framework that builds investor confidence, provides a clear and predictable environment, and protects returns on investment.
He expressed gratitude to his fellow Commissioners for their dedication and passion in utilizing their expertise to establish the necessary framework for the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission. This framework will enable the commission to function optimally, ultimately benefiting the people of Kogi State.
The Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Engr. Mohammed Abdulmutalib, expressed his gratitude to Governor Ododo for his efforts in enhancing the electricity sector in Kogi State.
He also made a promising announcement, stating that the state will soon be liberated from the regulatory oversight of the Abuja Electricity Regulatory Commission. According to Abdulmutalib, Kogi State is set to establish its own regulatory framework, marking a significant milestone in the state’s journey towards managing its electricity market.
He vowed to bring transparency to the energy sector, which will, in turn, attract investors to develop Kogi’s energy infrastructure. Adding that the move aims to establish an affordable and quality electricity market in the state, fostering public engagement, fair hearing, and responsiveness to all issues before the commission.
Notably, the Commissioner added that Kogi is one of seven states granted permission by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), to oversee the transmission and distribution of electricity within its borders adding that this development marks a significant milestone in Kogi State’s journey towards regulating its electricity market and improving access to electricity for its citizens.
According to the Chairman, prepaid meters will be made available for purchase by consumers, providing them with a convenient and efficient way to manage their electricity usage.
Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, announced that a groundbreaking innovation is underway, promising 24-hour electricity supply for Kogi State. This development ensures that residents will enjoy uninterrupted power and get value for their money.
He encouraged Nigerians to adopt good electricity management habits by switching off lights when not in use, as many people tend to leave them on during the day. This simple practice can significantly improve electricity efficiency and reduce energy consumption. By turning off lights, individuals can save a substantial amount of electricity, lower their energy bills, and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
At the town hall meeting, stakeholders and citizens expressed their frustrations with various electricity-related challenges. The main concerns raised included unreasonable hikes in electricity tariffs, power outages in many areas, and issues with prepaid meters depleting too quickly. This development is consistent with the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector, including inefficient infrastructure, limited access to electricity, and regulatory uncertainties.
The Chairman of Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), acknowledged these concerns and assured the attendees that they would address these challenges, providing relief to those affected.
Top government officials attended the event, including Dr. Abdullazeez Adams Adeiza, Commissioner for Health; Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communication; Hon. Wemi Jones, Commissioner for Education; Aliyu Salami, Economic Adviser to the Governor; and a representative from the DSS. They were joined by other government officials, stakeholders, citizens, and representatives from various organizations.
