Federal Executive Council (FEC) has officially approved a comprehensive policy framework to transform Nigeria’s electricity supply industry.
Gatekeepers News reports that the roadmap known as National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP), is designed to address critical infrastructure deficits and regulatory challenges within the sector.
Bolaji Tunji, special adviser on strategic communications and media relations to the minister of power, Adebayo Adelabu, in a statement, revealed that the policy was approved during FEC meeting on Monday, 6 May.
According to him; the NIEP, which had been prepared since December 2024 and submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was a holistic framework designed to align Nigeria’s electricity sector with national development goals and international best practices.
The spokesman further noted that it is in line with section 3(3) of the revised Electricity Act, 2023.
Quoting Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power, Tunji noted that the policy implementation had already begun and would now gain traction following presidential ratification, with its impact expected to be felt across the power
sector soon.
He said, “This roadmap addresses critical challenges in Nigeria’s electricity sector through a comprehensive framework that provides clear guidelines for sustainable power generation, transmission, and distribution.”
“The policy also prioritizes renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, and improved governance of the power sector.”
Referring to the passage of Electricity Act, 2023, as a pivotal moment, Adelabu said it marked the beginning of transformative change within NESI, laying the foundation for exponential socio-economic development.
He said, “This NIEP is a detailed roadmap that will guide all stakeholders, federal and state governments, market participants, investors, and citizens, through this period of energy transition.”
The minister noted that the policy was developed through collaborative efforts with stakeholders across the public and private sectors, including civil society organisations, academia, industry leaders, donor agencies, development partners, and consumer advocacy groups.
He said, “The NIEP addresses long-standing issues such as infrastructure deficits, inadequate capital investment, and regulatory bottlenecks.”
“It replaces the outdated National Electric Power Policy of 2001, which has long outlived its relevance.”
Adelabu noted that the policy supports the growth of state electricity markets and encourages a decentralised but coordinated approach to electricity management and resource planning.
He noted that the NIEP would evolve in response to the dynamic needs of the industry while promoting innovation, collaboration, and consumer protection.
The minister added the policy is structured across eight chapters, which comprehensively address the historical perspective of the Nigerian electricity sector.
He said, “The policy features electricity market design, value chain analysis, stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities, climate change and low carbon economy initiatives, gender equality and social inclusion.”
Adelabu said it includes local content
development, research and development (R&D), commercial, legal and regulatory frameworks.
