FCCPC Seeks Regulatory Harmony to Protect Electricity Consumers Nationwide

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has called for stronger cooperation among electricity sector regulators as Nigeria’s states establish independent electricity markets under the Electricity Act, 2023.

The Commission said harmonised regulation is necessary to ensure consistent consumer protection and provide certainty for investors operating across different jurisdictions.

Speaking at a Stakeholder Engagement on Consumer Protection and Regulatory Cooperation in Nigeria’s Electricity Sector in Abuja, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tunji Bello, noted that the Electricity Act had transformed the country’s power sector by allowing states to establish electricity regulatory commissions and manage intrastate electricity markets.

He said the changing regulatory landscape requires effective collaboration between the FCCPC, NERC, NEMSA and State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs).

According to Bello, each institution has a distinct legal mandate, but their responsibilities should complement one another to better protect electricity consumers.

“Sector regulators bring deep technical expertise, while the FCCPC provides economy-wide experience in consumer protection and competition.

“Our objective is to consult, exchange information, support one another’s lawful actions and ensure consumers receive timely and effective protection. That is the hallmark of mature regulatory governance.”

Bello stressed that effective consumer protection involves preventing potential harm, identifying emerging risks and sustaining confidence in the electricity market, not merely resolving complaints after they arise.

He referenced the FCCPC’s 2024 engagement over the planned replacement of obsolete Unistar prepaid meters, explaining that concerns over possible consumer charges, estimated billing and service disruptions prompted discussions involving NERC, NEMSA and electricity distribution companies. He said the Commission’s intervention strengthened existing regulatory processes while respecting NERC’s legal authority.

Also addressing participants, NERC’s Assistant Director and Head of Consumer Protection, Anthony Essien, said the decentralisation of electricity regulation makes policy alignment across federal, state and regional markets increasingly important.

He warned that inconsistent regulatory standards across states could create uncertainty for investors and electricity market operators, while adding that harmonised regulations would improve consumer protection, strengthen regulatory oversight and support the growth of Nigeria’s evolving electricity market.

Executive Commissioner of the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC), Dr. Nnaemeka Ewelukwa, also said state-level regulation would bring regulatory services closer to consumers and facilitate stronger engagement between investors and state authorities.

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