Focus on communities without electricity, FG tells states

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has urged states to prioritise communities without electricity in their domain while adopting the 2023 Electricity Act. The Minister gave the advice during a meeting with state commissioners for energy yesterday in Abuja. Daily Trust reports that the meeting was convened following the recent reduction of electricity tariff for […]

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has urged states to prioritise communities without electricity in their domain while adopting the 2023 Electricity Act.

The Minister gave the advice during a meeting with state commissioners for energy yesterday in Abuja.

Daily Trust reports that the meeting was convened following the recent reduction of electricity tariff for consumers in Enugu State by the Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission which sparked outcry on whether states have the power regulate tariff from the national grid.

Adelabu in his speech noted that the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is ready to provide technical and financial support needed to deliver impactful projects and innovative solutions like Mini-grids and standalone systems that extend electricity access to our most remote and energy-poor areas.

“Honourable Commissioners, I also urge you to prioritise the electrification of unserved and underserved communities within your States. Expanding access for those who need it most remains a central pillar of our national electrification agenda.”

He added that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the federal government has continued to demonstrate unwavering commitment to improving energy access, reliability, and sustainability for all Nigerians.

“Some of our key milestones include the signing of the Electricity Act 2023, which has unlocked the opportunity for States to develop their own electricity markets; the development of the first National Integrated Electricity Policy in over two decades; and the attraction of significant local and foreign investments into generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure.”

He said these achievements are only the foundation for greater progress and lasting impact that can be achieved through strong partnerships with all stakeholders including the state governments.

“While we fully respect the constitutional rights of States to determine how their electricity markets should evolve, it is equally critical to involve the federal government, particularly as the custodian of the national grid and wholesale market to ensure that market developments at the state level do not inadvertently disrupt the stability and efficiency of the entire sector.”

He said the national electricity market is an interconnected system that depends on coordinated generation, transmission, and distribution operations across State borders.

He added that any misalignment or uncoordinated action at the subnational level can create technical, commercial, or regulatory conflicts that weaken grid stability, disrupt power supply to neighbouring States, and undermine investor confidence.

“By working together and ensuring alignment, we can safeguard the integrity of the national grid, optimise resources, and provide reliable and affordable electricity to all Nigerians, regardless of where they live.”