The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has formally transferred regulatory authority over the electricity market in Gombe State to the Gombe State Electricity Regulatory Commission (GOSERC).
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NERC said the move aligns with the amended Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and provisions of the Electricity Act 2023, as amended.
The commission explained that while it continues to function as the central regulator for electricity activities that cut across state and international borders—including generation, transmission, trading, and system operations the law empowers states to independently regulate electricity markets within their territories.
According to NERC, the Electricity Act 2023 requires any state seeking control of its intrastate electricity market to formally notify the commission and meet specific legal and procedural conditions before regulatory authority can be transferred.
NERC confirmed that the Gombe State Government fulfilled all required conditions, formally notified the commission and requested the transfer of oversight for electricity operations within the state.
As part of the transition, NERC directed Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED) to establish a subsidiary company that will handle electricity supply and distribution exclusively within Gombe State. The new entity referred to as JED SubCo, is expected to assume intrastate responsibilities previously managed by JED.
The commission stated that JED must complete the incorporation of the subsidiary within 60 days, starting from January 7, 2026. Once incorporated, the subsidiary is required to apply for and obtain the appropriate licence from GOSERC to operate legally within the state.
NERC added that all aspects of the transfer outlined in the order are expected to be fully implemented by July 6, 2026.
The transfer forms part of a broader decentralisation effort initiated by NERC in 2024, aimed at allowing states greater control over electricity generation, transmission, and distribution within their jurisdictions.
Earlier, on January 14, 2025, NERC announced the completion of similar regulatory transfers to Enugu, Imo, Ondo, and Ekiti states. Other states, including Oyo, Edo, Kogi, Lagos, Ogun, and Niger, have also commenced the process.
The commission further disclosed that regulatory oversight has since been successfully transferred to Plateau and Abia states.
