By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has called for stronger collaboration among electricity regulators in Nigeria to protect consumers and ensure regulatory certainty. The call was made in Abuja during a stakeholder engagement on consumer protection and regulatory cooperation in the electricity sector. FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023 created federal, state and regional electricity markets, making coordinated regulation essential. He explained that harmonised oversight would boost investor confidence, improve consumer protection and support the growth of Nigeria’s evolving power market.
Electricity Act Reshapes Nigeria’s Regulatory Landscape
Bello said the Electricity Act 2023 fundamentally transformed the power sector by empowering states to establish electricity regulatory commissions and manage intrastate electricity markets.
He noted that the changing structure requires closer cooperation among the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) and State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs).
According to him, these agencies have different statutory roles, but their mandates complement one another.
“Sector regulators bring deep technical expertise, while the FCCPC provides economy-wide experience in consumer protection and competition,” Bello said.
He added that regulators must exchange information, support lawful actions and ensure consumers receive prompt protection.
NERC Advocates Harmonised Regulations
Assistant Director and Head of Consumer Protection at NERC, Anthony Essien, stressed the need for regulatory convergence as states establish electricity markets.
He warned that different regulatory standards across states could create uncertainty for investors and market operators.
Essien explained that decentralised regulation would bring oversight closer to consumers. However, he said inconsistent policies could affect market stability.
According to him, harmonised regulations will:
- Strengthen consumer protection
- Promote coordinated oversight
- Improve investor confidence
- Create a predictable operating environment
State Regulators to Improve Consumer Engagement
Executive Commissioner of the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC), Dr. Nnaemeka Ewelukwa, said state regulators would bridge the gap between consumers, investors and government authorities.
He stated that the framework respects NERC’s statutory mandate while reinforcing existing regulations instead of creating duplication.
Ewelukwa added that state commissions would ensure quicker responses to consumer concerns and encourage investments in local electricity markets.
FCCPC Highlights Successful Regulatory Intervention
Bello cited the FCCPC’s 2024 intervention over the planned replacement of obsolete Unistar prepaid meters as a successful example of inter-agency cooperation.
The Commission raised concerns that consumers might pay for replacement meters or face estimated billing and supply disruptions.
As a result, the FCCPC convened NERC, NEMSA and electricity distribution companies to address the issue and protect consumers.
Need for Coordinated Consumer Protection
Bello stressed that consumer protection should go beyond complaint resolution.
He said regulators must identify risks early, prevent harm and maintain public confidence in the electricity market.
With electricity decentralization expanding across states, coordinated regulation has become vital for market stability, investor certainty and effective consumer protection.
