The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP), setting in motion a strategic roadmap to overhaul Nigeria’s power sector.
The comprehensive policy framework, submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in December 2024, was formally ratified on Monday during the council’s weekly meeting. It aims to align Nigeria’s electricity supply industry with national development goals and international best practices, as stipulated under Section 3(3) of the Electricity Act 2023.
In a statement released by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu said the implementation of the policy has already begun and will now accelerate following presidential approval.
“The NIEP addresses critical challenges across the electricity value chain—from generation and transmission to distribution,” said Adelabu. “It also integrates renewable energy, promotes energy efficiency, and seeks to improve sector governance.”
He described the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023 as a watershed moment, laying the groundwork for a transformed Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) capable of supporting substantial socio-economic growth.
Adelabu emphasised that the NIEP was the result of extensive collaboration involving federal and state governments, private sector players, civil society, academic institutions, development partners, and consumer advocacy groups.
The policy replaces the outdated National Electric Power Policy of 2001 and introduces key initiatives to support the development of State Electricity Markets (SEMs), fostering a decentralised yet coordinated approach to energy planning and management.
Structured into eight chapters, the NIEP addresses the historical evolution of Nigeria’s electricity sector, outlines the core features of the new Electricity Act, sets out policy objectives, and details the design of the electricity market. It also covers climate initiatives, gender and social inclusion, local content development, and regulatory and legal frameworks.
Adelabu described the NIEP as a “living document” that will evolve in response to the industry’s changing needs, underpinned by collaboration, innovation, and a firm commitment to consumer protection.
