The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Imo State Government have initiated a strategic collaboration aimed at advancing the state’s electricity market and improving power reliability.
This follows a courtesy visit by the Governor of Imo State to the Commission on March 11, 2026, to congratulate the Chairman on his appointment and explore developmental opportunities.
During the session, the Governor emphasized the critical role of a stable power supply as a primary enabler of economic growth.
He formally sought the Commission’s technical support to ensure the effective functioning of Imo State’s internal electricity market and appealed for NERC’s intervention in strengthening local efforts toward achieving a more consistent and dependable power grid for residents and businesses.
In his response, the NERC Chairman commended the Governor’s proactive approach, noting that the provision of subnational electricity services is a fundamental responsibility of government.
While reaffirming the Commission’s support for state-led initiatives, the Chairman underscored NERC’s position as an independent regulator dedicated to ensuring fairness, transparency, and strict regulatory compliance across the energy sector.
The Chairman further advised all stakeholders within the state to adhere to established legal frameworks, particularly regarding the mandatory licensing and approvals required for grid-connected power projects.
He emphasized that following these regulatory processes is essential for maintaining the integrity of the national and subnational grids.
To further institutionalize these efforts, the Chairman advocated for the formal licensing of the Imo State electricity subsidiary company.
He noted that such a move would significantly strengthen customer protection frameworks within the state and facilitate the proper administration and remittance of regulatory charges to the appropriate state authorities.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to fostering a partnership that drives sustainable power sector development in Imo State within the bounds of NERC’s regulatory mandate.
Amuwo-Odofin braces for four-month blackout
Residents and businesses in the Amuwo-Odofin axis of Lagos State are facing an imminent and prolonged period of power instability, as a scheduled four-month maintenance project on critical energy infrastructure begins this week.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Ikeja Electric have confirmed that large-scale rehabilitation works at the 132kV Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) substation within the Amuwo Transmission Station will necessitate significant service disruptions.
According to an official statement released by Ikeja Electric, the technical operation is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, and is projected to conclude by Thursday, July 30, 2026.
The utility company clarified that this collaborative effort with the TCN is a strategic necessity aimed at strengthening the existing power framework to enhance long-term reliability and efficiency for the community.
The looming blackout is expected to hit several key feeders within the district. Specifically, customers served by the 11-AmuwoINJ-T1 line, which supplies Old Ojo Road and Ijesha Express, will be affected.
The 11-AmuwoINJ-T2 feeder, covering Jakande 1 and 2, is also slated for disruption. Furthermore, the 33-AmuwoTCN lines, which provide electricity to Amukoko and the Hongxing 1 and 2 areas, are included in the maintenance schedule.
While Ikeja Electric has expressed regrets over the inevitable inconvenience, the company maintains that these improvement works are vital for the health of the local grid.
This development follows a similar pattern of infrastructure upgrades across Lagos, including a recent three-day outage in the Lekki District managed by Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) for network enhancements at the Lekki Injection Substation.
However, the situation in Amuwo-Odofin unfolds against a backdrop of a deepening national energy crisis. Beyond localized maintenance, the broader Nigerian power sector is currently grappling with severe liquidity challenges.
Reports indicate that a mounting N6.8 trillion debt burden has forced several Power Generation Companies (GenCos) to scale back or shut down operations entirely.
This financial strain has severely hampered the ability of operators to secure gas supplies and maintain equipment, leading to frequent grid collapses and a widening gap between electricity demand and available supply.
As the Amuwo-Odofin community prepares for a third of the year under restricted power access, industry experts warn that until the systemic liquidity issues across the electricity value chain are addressed, such prolonged maintenance-induced blackouts may become increasingly common across the federation.
Nigeria needs $23bn to close electricity gap for 150,000 communities – REA MD
The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu has revealed that Nigeria requires an estimated $23 billion to provide electricity to over 150,000 unserved and underserved communities across the country.
Speaking at a recent TEDx event in Bauchi, Aliyu emphasized that while progress has been made, the scale of the challenge and the subsequent opportunity is immense.
The REA Executive shared a example from the Namu community in Plateau State, a rice-producing hub where the agency recently commissioned a 50-kilowatt clean energy project.
Despite this milestone, he noted that dozens of rice processing factories in the area have been forced to shut down due to the prohibitive cost of diesel.
He observed that without reliable and affordable power, local farmers are unable to process harvests like cassava, leading to significant value loss as raw products are transported elsewhere for processing.
“We have mapped the entire country and identified 150,000 communities that either lack electricity or require more reliable supply. To address this gap, a whopping $23 billion is required. When you look at the broader National Energy Transition Plan, the figure rises to $410 billion. These aren’t just costs; they are massive opportunities for job creation, industrialization, and youth engagement,” Aliyu stated.
He further warned that the global demand for electricity is set to skyrocket as AI penetration deepens.
To illustrate the scale, he pointed out that a single Tier 1 data center can consume as much electricity as is currently generated and utilized in the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He highlighted how other African nations are already leveraging AI to transform critical sectors.
However, Aliyu noted that for Nigeria to become an AI hub or even replicate these agricultural gains at scale, the country’s power needs would shift from the current 13,000 megawatts to potentially one petawatt of electricity.
“The future does not just exist; it is shaped by people bold enough to dream it and make it a reality,” Aliyu concluded.
He urged stakeholders to view the bridge between Nigeria’s current 13,000-megawatt capacity and the projected one-petawatt future as an unprecedented opportunity for innovation, green jobs, and localized renewable energy generation.
He also called on Nigerians to position themselves at the forefront of this transition rather than being passive observers of a future shaped by others.