Abuja, July 31, 2026 – The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has advised electricity regulators to adopt harmonised consumer protection framework for consumers across the country
Tunji Bello, the Chief Executive of FCCPC, gave the advice while speaking on consumer protection and regulatory cooperation during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.
He said investors could face uncertainty if the emerging state electricity markets operate under different regulatory standards.
The FCCPC boss said the advice became imperative following the establishment of sub-national electricity markets under the Electricity Act 2023.
He said the enactment of the Act had brought about one of the most significant reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector as it had reshaped the country’s regulatory framework by empowering states to establish independent electricity regulators.
Bello said the success of the reforms would, however, depend on institutional collaboration rather than competition among regulators.
“The success of this framework will depend not only on the effectiveness of each regulator, but also on how well we work together.
“Consumers experience electricity as one system. When supply is interrupted, or a bill appears incorrect, they are not concerned about which regulator has jurisdiction,” he said.
The FCCPC boss also called for closer collaboration among federal and state electricity regulators.
He urged the regulators to avoid institutional rivalry as consumers across the country must enjoy the same level of protection regardless of location.
Bello said the responsibilities of the agencies are complementary and should be coordinated to ensure effective consumer protection.
Anthony Essien, the Head of Consumer Protection Department at Nigeria Electricity Commission (NERC), said the decentralisation of the electricity market in the country had made collaboration among regulators inevitable.
“It would not be easy, especially looking at investors coming in and having different standards across 36 states. But if we come together and foster a unified and well-thought-out effort to bring forward laws, it would further strengthen our mandates across the different states,” he said.
