The Federal Government has officially approved the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP), a strategic framework designed to overhaul Nigeria’s electricity sector. The approval, which came during the Federal Executive Council meeting on Monday, is seen as a crucial step toward addressing the challenges faced by the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
The NIEP, which has been in development since December 2024, was presented to President Bola Tinubu for formal ratification. The policy is a comprehensive blueprint that aligns the country’s power sector with national development goals and global best practices, in line with the revised Electricity Act of 2023.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, emphasized that the policy is already in motion and will gain momentum following the president’s approval. “This is a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s power sector, marking the beginning of transformative changes that will pave the way for socio-economic growth,” Adelabu said. The policy is expected to address key issues such as outdated infrastructure, inadequate investment, and regulatory challenges.
The NIEP is built on a foundation of collaboration with various stakeholders, including public and private sectors, civil society, and development partners. It introduces measures to improve electricity generation, transmission, and distribution while prioritizing renewable energy, energy efficiency, and better governance in the power sector.
One of the major highlights of the policy is its focus on decentralizing the electricity market, encouraging state-level involvement, and supporting local content development. The NIEP also addresses climate change and low-carbon economy initiatives, gender equality, and social inclusion.
The policy replaces the outdated National Electric Power Policy of 2001 and offers a new, dynamic approach to managing Nigeria’s electricity sector. The impact of this policy is expected to be felt across the nation, especially as it continues to evolve in response to the sector’s needs.
