In a groundbreaking initiative to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape, the United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNIAF) has joined forces with the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) to support state-led electricity market reforms across the country.
The partnership was highlighted during the recently concluded State Learning Workshop Series, designed to equip policymakers and regulators with the knowledge and tools to establish sustainable, investor-ready electricity markets.
The workshops, held across key cities including Lagos, Calabar, Kano, and Jos, brought together participants from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
These sessions focused on critical aspects of electricity market development, integrated resource planning (IRP), and practical training on energy modelling software.
The initiative aligns with the Electricity Act 2023, which empowers states to take an active role in designing and regulating their electricity markets.
According to Mr. Chijioke Chuku, Director-Legal and Head of the Power Desk at NGF, the workshops were a strategic step toward enabling states to lead with vision and technical precision.
“Nigeria’s electricity future depends on the capacity of our states to lead with clarity and competence.
Through this partnership, we are equipping states not just with knowledge, but with the confidence to implement reforms that will benefit residents and investors alike,” Chuku said.
The training sessions addressed the legal and regulatory pathways for establishing state electricity markets, commercial models to attract private sector investments, and methods for integrating state-level plans into Nigeria’s National Integrated Resource Plan.
Participants also received hands-on guidance on using advanced energy modelling software, enhancing their ability to plan and forecast electricity demand and supply efficiently.
UKNIAF’s extensive experience in technical advisory for infrastructure development provided the foundation for these workshops.
The initiative drew lessons from prior collaborations with Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Oyo states, which have pioneered state-level electricity market development.
Additionally, UKNIAF’s support to the Federal Ministry of Power in drafting Nigeria’s first National Integrated Resource Plan and the National Integrated Electricity Policy helped establish a coherent framework for aligning state and national energy strategies.
Experts emphasized that the decentralization of electricity market governance under the Electricity Act 2023 presents a historic opportunity for states to play a leading role in Nigeria’s energy transformation.
With proper capacity-building measures in place, state governments can design tariffs, incentivize private investments, and ensure reliable electricity supply for citizens and industries.
“This workshop series is not just about technical training; it is about building confidence and ownership.
States now have the tools and support to operationalize the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023, ensuring that electricity market reforms are sustainable and impactful,” Chuku added.
Stakeholders at the workshop underscored the importance of continuous collaboration between state governments, federal regulators, and development partners.
The interactive sessions encouraged dialogue on challenges, best practices, and innovative approaches to electricity market development, ensuring that lessons learned are applied consistently across all Nigerian states.
The NGF-UKNIAF partnership marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s electricity sector, signaling a shift toward state-driven reforms and sustainable energy planning.
As states begin to implement what they have learned, the potential for improved electricity access, reduced operational inefficiencies, and increased investor confidence is substantial.
In conclusion, the State Learning Workshop Series has set the stage for Nigeria’s decentralized energy reforms, fostering a culture of technical excellence and strategic planning at the state level.
As the country continues to pursue reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity supply, the collaboration between UKNIAF and NGF demonstrates a model for transformative infrastructure development, emphasizing capacity-building, innovation, and inclusive growth.