The International Centre for Energy, Environment and Development (ICEED), in partnership with the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) and with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through the PACE programme, convened key stakeholders in Enugu to examine pathways for strengthening electricity pricing, regulation and market development at the sub-national level.
The stakeholder workshop, held at Landmark Nike Lake Resort, brought together policymakers, regulators, electricity distribution companies, development partners, academics and media representatives to discuss the opportunities and challenges emerging from Nigeria’s transition towards more decentralised electricity markets.
Discussions focused on electricity tariff reform, subsidy design, social protection for vulnerable consumers, regulatory coordination and the development of sustainable sub-national electricity markets.
Advancing sustainable electricity pricing
Opening the workshop, EERC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chijioke M. Okonkwo, emphasised the need for coordinated action across government, regulators, industry and consumers to support the development of sustainable electricity markets.
He highlighted the importance of cost-reflective pricing, investor confidence and effective regulatory oversight, noting that transparent and accountable regulation is essential to balancing the interests of consumers and electricity market participants.
Ifeanyi Peters Ugwuoke, National Team Leader of the PACE programme, noted that persistent reliance on self-generation by households and businesses continues to reflect gaps in electricity access and reliability.
He identified regulatory gaps, pricing distortions, infrastructure constraints and subsidy design as issues requiring sustained attention as Nigeria works towards a more reliable and financially sustainable electricity sector.
Strengthening sub-national electricity markets
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, reaffirmed Enugu State’s commitment to electricity-sector reform.
He highlighted the enactment of the state’s electricity law and the establishment of the EERC as important steps in the development of Enugu’s sub-national electricity market.
Professor Onyia called for greater collaboration among stakeholders to develop competitive and efficient electricity markets capable of supporting economic activity and broader development across the state.
The discussions also examined how states can build regulatory capacity and create enabling environments for investment in electricity generation, distribution and renewable energy.
Rethinking electricity subsidies
Presenting research findings at the workshop, Professor Adeola Adenikinju examined Nigeria’s electricity subsidy framework and its implications for consumers, government finances and the wider electricity market.
He argued for a shift towards more targeted subsidy mechanisms that prioritise vulnerable consumers while supporting the long-term financial sustainability of the electricity sector.
The presentation also highlighted the importance of improved foreign exchange stability, stronger coordination among stakeholders and a phased approach to electricity-sector reforms.
EERC representative Ikenna Uche further examined the influence of government interventions and cross-subsidisation on electricity tariff structures across states. He identified liquidity, fairness, transparency and social protection as important considerations in the design and implementation of electricity pricing reforms.
Building stronger collaboration across states
A panel discussion brought together representatives from electricity regulatory institutions in Enugu, Abia, Anambra, Imo, Bayelsa, Plateau, Kogi and Lagos states.
The panel explored practical experiences and challenges associated with decentralising electricity regulation, alongside opportunities for renewable energy development and improved coordination among states.
The discussions underscored the importance of knowledge sharing and inter-state collaboration as more states develop the institutional and regulatory frameworks required to manage their electricity markets.
For ICEED, the engagement forms part of its broader work to support evidence-based energy-sector reforms and market development that can improve access to reliable and sustainable energy for households and businesses.
The Centre continues to work with government institutions, regulators, development partners and other stakeholders to generate evidence, strengthen policy frameworks and support practical solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges.
In his closing remarks, EERC Commissioner Dr. Chuka Akunne described electricity-sector reform as an ongoing process that requires continued dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders.
The workshop provided an opportunity for participants to exchange evidence, share experiences and identify areas for further collaboration in advancing electricity pricing and sub-national regulation in Nigeria.
