LOKOJA, NIGERIA – The Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has unveiled new regulations aimed at decentralising power supply and improving electricity access in underserved and unserved areas across the state. The announcement came during a visit by Ismaila Isah, Special Adviser on Media to the Governor of Kogi State, to the KERC headquarters in Lokoja on July 17, 2025.
Ibrahim Abdwaaris, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of KERC, explained that the mini-grid regulations are designed to attract investment into the state’s electricity market. He noted that the licensing process has been simplified with minimal charges, creating an investor-friendly environment for operators seeking to generate up to one megawatt of power for local use.
KERC assumed full control of electricity market regulation in Kogi State from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in March 2025. Since then, the commission has prioritised customer-focused policies aimed at closing the power gap, particularly in rural and underserved communities. “Our goal is to expand access to power and reduce overreliance on the national grid,” Mr. Abdwaaris stated.
He also highlighted that KERC had granted a six-month interim licence free of charge to Kogi Electricity Distribution Limited (KEDL), a subsidiary of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), as a confidence-building measure. The commission has also reportedly improved customer service standards, with most complaints resolved within a single billing window, and has established special courts to combat electricity theft, boosting investor confidence.
Mr. Isah commended KERC’s proactive efforts and assured the commission of Governor Ahmed Ododo’s continued support for policies promoting efficiency and accountability in electricity management. He described the new mini-grid policy as a “step in the right direction,” especially for communities not adequately covered by the national grid.
“The Ododo administration is committed to creating an enabling environment for innovation in the energy sector. This regulation reflects the Governor’s vision of ensuring that every citizen of Kogi State has access to affordable and reliable electricity,” Mr. Isah added.
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