The Federal Government has called on the 36 states to take charge of power generation, transmission, and distribution within their jurisdictions.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, made this known on Tuesday while speaking at the Nigeria Energy Leadership Summit held in Lagos.
Adelabu said the move had become necessary as part of the government’s efforts to find lasting solutions to the recurring power crisis that has crippled economic productivity and slowed national development.
He explained that decentralising the power sector would allow states to develop their own electricity markets, attract private investment, and deliver sustainable energy solutions to meet local needs.
“The Federal Government can no longer shoulder the entire responsibility for power generation and distribution across the country. Each state must take responsibility for developing its energy mix and ensuring its citizens have reliable electricity,” Adelabu said.
The minister added that with the recent constitutional amendment allowing states to generate and distribute electricity independently, the time was ripe for subnational governments to take advantage of the new legal framework to boost supply and end the monopoly of the national grid.
Adelabu assured that the Federal Ministry of Power would continue to provide policy direction, regulatory support, and coordination to ensure harmony between state and national systems.
He also urged governors to collaborate with private investors and development partners to harness renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and hydro, to expand access and enhance energy security across Nigeria.
