The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has transferred regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Akwa Ibom State to the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC), marking another step in the decentralisation of Nigeria’s power sector.
NERC announced the development in a public notice issued on Wednesday, saying the transfer was carried out in line with the amended Constitution and the Electricity Act 2023.
Under the order, the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) will establish a subsidiary, PHEDC SubCo, to handle electricity supply and distribution within Akwa Ibom State.
According to NERC, PHEDC has 60 days from August 18, 2026, to complete the incorporation of the subsidiary and obtain the necessary licence from AKSERC.
The commission said the transition is expected to be completed by February 17, 2027, after which AKSERC will become the primary regulator of intrastate electricity activities in the state.
NERC will, however, retain regulatory authority over interstate and international electricity generation, transmission, supply, trading and system operations.
The development brings to 17 the number of states that have received regulatory transfer orders under the ongoing decentralisation of Nigeria’s electricity market.
The move follows the inauguration of AKSERC by Governor Umo Eno in June 2026, with the commission established to drive reforms and improve electricity supply in the state.
The reform, enabled by the Electricity Act 2023 and constitutional amendments, allows states to establish regulators for electricity activities within their territories and develop policies based on their specific power needs.
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