CEHRAWS Welcomes NERC’s Order For Abia Electricity Market Regulation Transfer

The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), a frontline civil rights organisation and member of the Abia Civil Society Network (ACSON), has welcomed the recent Order of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), NERC/2025/058, formally initiating the transfer of regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Abia State to the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA), in line with Section 230(2) of the Electricity Act 2023 (as amended).

CEHRAWS, in a statement on Tuesday, July 22nd, described the development, which takes effect from June 25, 2025, as a commendable step toward sub-national electricity market autonomy and as a bold stride by Governor Alex Otti’s administration toward reclaiming the power sector for the people of Abia.

The statement signed by Okoye Chuka Peter, CEHRAWS’ Executive Director, said the legal conformity of this transition, coupled with its localised policy ambitions, offers strong potential to democratise electricity governance and ensure that electricity works for the people, not just for profit.

The statement read:

“We particularly commend the following proposed benefits outlined by the Hon. Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, as they resonate with the aspirations of our organisation and the people:

1. Localised Tariff Setting: The move to allow ASERA determine tariffs reflecting local socio-economic realities is long overdue. The exorbitant and unjustifiable tariffs currently suffered by Abians, especially consumers under the Aba Ring Area served by Aba Power Limited Electric (APLE), have caused hardship for households and have crippled small-scale industries.

This new regime must as a matter of urgency address these disparities and revise tariffs downwards to a level that is fair, just, and affordable. Anything less would be cosmetic.

2. Improved Oversight and Responsiveness: ASERA’s proximity to the people creates an avenue for quicker dispute resolution, licensing processes, and monitoring of electricity providers. We welcome this framework, provided ASERA operates transparently and independently from vested political or commercial interests.

3. Focused Infrastructure Development: We see potential in ASERA’s power to channel investment into grid upgrades and extension to underserved and off-grid communities, especially in rural areas. However, CEHRAWS urges the government to integrate consumer voices into all planning phases through public consultations and community impact assessments.

4. Attracting Responsible Private Investment: While the creation of a state-specific electricity subsidiary by EEDC (commonly referred to as “SubCo”) may bring in investments, we caution that private sector participation must be guided by clear social impact benchmarks, strong consumer protection frameworks, and enforceable service delivery obligations. Abians must never again be at the mercy of monopolistic pricing or opaque billing systems.

5. Increased Accountability & Job Creation: The establishment of ASERA must come with structured employment opportunities for Abians and the institutionalisation of service charters that allow citizens to hold providers to account. Employment generation in this space should not be politicised, but merit-based and strategically targeted to enhance the power sector’s sustainability.

“Electricity governance must begin to reflect the needs of the people, not just the profits of corporations. Abia has taken the first step. Now let the light reach every home.” – OKOYE, CHUKA PETER

However, we must sound a cautionary note: this transition must not become another bureaucratic exercise or platform for elite capture. We strongly insist that the era of unimaginable tariffs, estimated billing, billing without supply, poor metering, and oppressive disconnection practices must come to an end.

The Aba Power Limited Electric (APLE), notorious within the Aba Ring Area for what many residents describe as regulatory impunity, must now submit to the watchful scrutiny of ASERA and the people of Abia State. No transition is successful until the most vulnerable consumer feels the impact.

CEHRAWS Recommendations:

✓. ASERA should immediately publish a Regulatory Implementation Roadmap and open a public complaint desk in all LGAs.

✓. NERC and ASERA must conduct a forensic audit of DISCO’s (EEDC & APLE) historical billing practices to refund or reconcile exploitative charges.

✓. The State Executive Council should approve an Electricity Consumer Protection Regulation within 90 days, safeguarding citizens from abuse.

✓. Civil society must be represented on all ASERA stakeholder panels for consumer protection, monitoring, and tariff reviews.

In conclusion, CEHRAWS views this reform not just as a regulatory transition but as an opportunity for economic justice in the power sector. We urge the people of Abia State to stay engaged, informed, and vigilant.

We equally urge the State Government to carry the people along in the next phase of implementation, because electricity is not a privilege; it is a constitutional and developmental necessity.