The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has officially transferred the regulatory oversight of Akwa Ibom State’s electricity market to the newly empowered Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC).
This milestone marks a significant shift in how power distribution and supply will be managed locally within the state.
This institutional evolution is a key component of the ongoing decentralization of Nigeria’s electricity sector.
The transition is heavily anchored on the provisions of the amended 1999 Constitution and the landmark Electricity Act of 2023, both of which empower states to take charge of their internal electricity markets.
In a formal public notice issued on Wednesday, NERC announced that this order officially makes Akwa Ibom the 17th state in the federation to receive regulatory transfer authority for its intrastate electricity market, continuing a nationwide wave of subnational energy governance.
As part of the decentralization framework, the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) is now required to establish a dedicated subsidiary, known as PHEDC SubCo.
This new entity will assume direct responsibility for electricity supply and distribution operations within Akwa Ibom State.
To ensure a seamless operational handover, NERC has directed PHEDC to complete the formal incorporation of the subsidiary within 60 days from August 18, 2026.
Following incorporation, the new sub-company must promptly apply for and obtain the necessary operating licences directly from AKSERC.
According to the implementation timeline, the entire transition process is expected to be fully completed by February 17, 2027.
By that date, AKSERC will formally assume its role as the primary and independent regulator for all electricity activities across Akwa Ibom State.
