By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has inaugurated the Forum of Nigerian Electricity Regulators (FONER) in a move to deepen coordination and improve regulatory efficiency across the country’s electricity sector.
Speaking at the first quarter 2026 Regulatory Meeting with State Electricity Regulators in Lagos, NERC Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, described the initiative as a critical milestone in Nigeria’s transition to a multi-level electricity market structure.
Oseni said the establishment of FONER would help prevent regulatory gaps and inconsistencies, warning against the risks of regulatory arbitrage by operators within the evolving electricity market.
“We must work collaboratively to avoid regulatory arbitrage by operators. I charge all of us to carry out this mandate with the highest sense of responsibility,” he said, formally declaring the forum inaugurated in line with provisions of the Electricity Act 2023.
The newly formed forum is expected to serve as a central platform for engagement between NERC and state regulators, with a focus on harmonising approaches to tariff setting, market operations, and consumer protection.
It will also promote capacity-building through peer learning, while functioning as a consultative body for electricity market reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and regulatory standards nationwide.
As part of the inauguration, members reviewed the fourth quarter 2025 action log and signed the FONER Charter, marking the formal commencement of the forum’s operations.
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Oseni will serve as Chairman of FONER, alongside Chijioke Okonkwo of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission as Vice Chairman, and Aisha Mahmud, NERC Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, as Secretary.
The quarterly regulatory meeting continues to provide a platform for collaboration between federal and state electricity regulators, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the new forum will accelerate reforms and expand access to reliable power supply across Nigeria.
