State governments have been urged to turn electricity-market powers into functioning institutions and dependable supply. An October 21 government statement reports a national workshop on implementing the Electricity Act 2023, where Vice President Kashim Shettima’s message was delivered by a representative.
The proposed next step includes voluntary peer review involving federal bodies, state regulators and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. Its purpose would be to exchange experience and examine implementation challenges. The proposal is not an announcement that every state has an operational market or improved supply.
A regulator’s existence is only one part of an electricity system. Investors also need understandable licensing, predictable decisions and credible ways to resolve disputes. Consumers need clear responsibility when bills are wrong or promised service is not delivered.
Local planning can examine the demand of particular communities and businesses alongside available energy resources. However, the presence of sunlight, gas or water does not automatically create affordable electricity. Infrastructure, operating arrangements and the cost of serving customers still require careful assessment.
Peer learning can help emerging regulators avoid repeating administrative mistakes. Its value depends on sharing practical evidence about decisions and outcomes, rather than only presenting success stories. Comparable information would make it easier to identify where technical assistance is actually needed.
The workshop places implementation and consumer protection alongside investment promotion. The next useful evidence will be functioning institutions, clear rules and measurable service improvements. A new governance structure should ultimately be assessed through the reliability and accountability experienced by electricity users, rather than the number of announcements it generates.