Zanzibar Regulator concludes study tour of Nigeria’s electricity market

By Firdaus Jibril

The Zanzibar Utilities Regulatory Authority (ZURA) has concluded a study tour of Nigeria’s electricity sector.

Recall that the delegation arrived Nigeria last week with the aim of strengthening regulatory cooperation and promoting knowledge exchange between both countries.

The tour, which ended on yesterday provided the ZURA delegation with insights into Nigeria’s evolving electricity market structure, regulatory framework, and institutional arrangements.

During the programme, National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Chairman Dr. Yusuf Ali highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between both regulatory institutions, emphasizing the need for sustained knowledge sharing through the existing cooperation framework.

As part of the engagement, the ZURA delegation held discussions with key stakeholders within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) and paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Power, Mr. Joseph Tegbe.

The delegation also visited the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), where they participated in technical sessions with officials from across the power sector.

Key areas of focus during the study tour included Nigeria’s electricity market structure and regulatory framework, renewable energy development, grid operations, and enforcement of the Grid Code.

Additionally, the delegation inspected the grid-connected rooftop solar mini-grid at Wuse Market, Abuja, to study the model for possible replication in Zanzibar.

The NERC stated that the initiative reflects its commitment to supporting capacity development and strengthening regional cooperation among electricity regulators across Africa.

The study tour is expected to further deepen collaboration between Nigeria and Zanzibar in developing sustainable electricity regulatory frameworks and improving energy access.