The Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NSERC) has formally issued Order No. NSERC ORDER/001/2025 establishing the regulatory framework for electricity market operations within Niger State.
The Commission hereby assert in strong terms that the Order marks the official conclusion of the transition period for the transfer of regulatory oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to NSERC, in pursuant to the Electricity Act 2023 and the Niger State Electricity Law 2024.
The Order, which takes immediate effect, prohibits all individuals and entities from undertaking regulated electricity activities within Niger State without a valid license or permit issued by NSERC. The Commission emphasized that holding a license from any other regulatory body will not exempt violators from liability under the new regulatory regime.
In other words, it is not a defense to the offense that such entities holds a license issued by any other agency or body to undertake the relevant regulated activity as provided in section 49(8) of the Law.
The Commission hereby assert in strongest terms that all unlicensed operators must immediately cease regulated activities within the Niger State Electricity Market and apply for appropriate licensing from the Commission in line with the Law.
The Commission warns that any person(s) or entities that fails to comply with the provisions of the Law and this Order shall be prosecuted including a regulatory fine of not less than Ten Million Naira (N10 million) and a daily fine of up to Fifty Thousand Naira (N50, 000) for each day of continued non-compliance.
Entities uncertain about their regulatory status or have any queries or concerns are encouraged to seek official clarification from the Commission via info@nserc.ni.gov.ng
The Order also affirms the continued applicability of existing national regulatory instruments including tariff guidelines, grid codes, safety standards, and metering regulations as binding on all electricity licensees operating within Niger State, pending any amendment or further directive from the Commission.
