By Hosea Parah, Abuja
In a landmark decision aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s beleaguered electricity sector, the Federal Government has officially approved the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP). This strategic framework is designed to guide the comprehensive transformation of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) and was ratified during the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The announcement, made by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Honourable Minister of Power, reveals that the NIEP was completed in December 2024 and aligns with the provisions of the revised Electricity Act 2023. This act mandates the formulation of a national electricity policy and strategic implementation plan within one year of its enactment.
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, highlighted that the NIEP presents a robust framework to tackle the enduring challenges in power generation, transmission, and distribution, while also emphasizing the integration of renewable energy sources. He noted that while implementation had already commenced, the formal presidential approval would accelerate these initiatives.
“The NIEP offers a detailed roadmap to address the multifaceted issues facing NESI and aims to ensure sustainable, reliable, and equitable electricity supply across Nigeria,” said Adelabu. “This marks a significant departure from the outdated 2001 National Electric Power Policy and aligns with our national development goals and international best practices.”
The policy was developed following an extensive consultative process that engaged various stakeholders, including federal and state government representatives, private sector players, development partners, academia, civil society organizations, and consumer advocacy groups.
Structured into eight comprehensive chapters, the NIEP encompasses:
– The historical evolution of Nigeria’s electricity sector
– Key features of the Electricity Act 2023
– Analysis of electricity market design and value chain
– Roles and responsibilities of essential stakeholders
– Strategies for climate change mitigation and low-carbon transition
– Promotion of gender equality and social inclusion
– Local content development and research initiatives
– Legal, commercial, and regulatory frameworks
Adelabu emphasized the policy’s intent to stimulate the development of State Electricity Markets (SEMs), promoting decentralized energy management while ensuring national coordination.
“This is a living document,” he remarked. “It will adapt to meet the evolving challenges in the sector. Our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and consumer protection remains steadfast.”
With the NIEP now ratified, the Ministry of Power will initiate the process of publishing the policy in the Federal Government Gazette and will begin rolling out strategic implementation initiatives, setting the stage for a transformative era in Nigeria’s electricity supply landscape.