The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has stressed the importance of improved coordination between the federal and state governments, calling for strong regulatory alignment to safeguard the integrity of the national grid, optimize resources, and provide reliable and affordable electricity to Nigerians. Adelabu made this call during a meeting with state commissioners for energy on state electricity market development in Abuja.
Acknowledging the constitutional rights of states to determine their electricity markets, Adelabu stressed the importance of involving the Federal Government, which is 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 emphasized that the national electricity market is an interconnected system that depends on coordinated generation, transmission, and distribution operations across state borders.
The Minister noted that any misalignment or uncoordinated action at the subnational level could create technical, commercial, or regulatory conflicts that weaken grid stability, disrupt power supply to neighboring states, and undermine investor confidence. Speaking further, the Minister urged the State Commissioners to prioritize the electrification of unserved and underserved communities within their states in order to expand electricity access, as those who need it most remain a central pillar of the national electrification agenda.
He assured the State Commissioners that the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) was ready to provide them with the technical and financial support needed to deliver impactful projects and innovative solutions like mini-grids and standalone systems that extend electricity access to the most remote and energy-poor areas. To achieve this, the Minister said regulators at the Federal and State levels must work hand in hand to harmonize standards, coordinate frameworks, and provide investors with clarity and confidence in the stability of the market.
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