The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Imo State Government are exploring opportunities for strategic collaboration aimed at advancing the electricity market within the state.
This commitment was reinforced recently when the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, paid a courtesy visit to the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja.
Apart from fostering a mutually beneficial partnership that would drive sustainable power sector development in Imo State, the visit was to also congratulate the Chairman on his recent appointment by President Bola Tinubu to head the Commission.
According to NERC, the Governor while speaking at the meeting, appealed to the Commission to ensure the effective functioning of the state’s electricity market.
He also appealed for the Chairman’s intervention in strengthening efforts toward achieving a more stable and reliable power supply, as a critical enabler of economic growth and development in the state.
In response, the Chairman commended the Governor for his proactive interest and demonstrated commitment to improving electricity supply in Imo State.
He acknowledged that the provision of subnational electricity services is a fundamental responsibility of government and praised the Governor for taking decisive steps in that regard.
While reiterating the Commission’s support for government-led initiatives, the Chairman emphasized the Commission’s role as an independent regulator, noting that its responsibility is to ensure fairness, transparency, and regulatory compliance across the sector.
He further urged all stakeholders to adhere strictly to established regulatory processes, particularly with respect to obtaining the necessary licensing and approvals for any grid-connected power projects.
The Chairman also reiterated the Commission’s commitment to supporting Imo State within the bounds of its regulatory mandate.
Additionally, the Chairman used the opportunity to advocate for the licensing of the Imo State electricity subsidiary company, noting that such a step would strengthen customer protection frameworks within the state and enable the proper administration and remittance of regulatory charges to the appropriate state authority.
