A top energy expert, Adetunji Iromini, has raised serious concerns over the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) decision to reject the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (EERC) move to reduce electricity tariff for Band A customers.

Iromini, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Solarcentric, described NERC’s stance as “dangerous”, saying it could potentially weaken the Electricity Act 2023, which gives states the right to manage their electricity markets independently.

Recently, the Enugu commission directed Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to reduce the tariff for Band A customers from N209 per kilowatt-hour to N160/kWh. The move was widely applauded by residents but met resistance from some electricity distribution and generation companies, and now, the national regulator.

In a statement on Thursday, NERC claimed that state governments do not have jurisdiction over the national grid or power stations licensed under federal laws. It dismissed the EERC’s order, saying it lacked the authority to mandate such changes.

But Iromini disagrees, saying NERC’s reaction directly contradicts the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023. He argued that the law clearly empowers states to regulate their own power markets, especially once they establish their regulatory bodies.

“NERC cannot oppose EERC just because power is taken from a federal grid. That alone doesn’t erase the rights states now enjoy under the new law,” Iromini stated.

He warned that by overruling EERC, NERC risks undermining the spirit of decentralisation embedded in the new electricity law, which was designed to give states more control over their power supply, pricing, and regulation.

The ongoing disagreement comes amid growing debate over electricity pricing and control in Nigeria. While the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has said the federal government is not removing electricity subsidies at the state level, it’s unclear how this position aligns with NERC’s recent actions.

For Iromini and other experts, this clash highlights the urgent need for clear interpretation and respect for the Electricity Act 2023, especially as more states prepare to take charge of their electricity sectors.