Business
Ondo Commissioner Slams NERC Over Power Control Dispute
Ondo NERC electricity control dispute as commissioner accuses regulator of retaining control despite 2023 Electricity Act decentralisation reforms
The Ondo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Johnson Alabi, has accused the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) of continuing to exert control over electricity regulation in states, despite the decentralisation provisions introduced under the Electricity Act 2023.
Also read: National Assembly to NERC, suspend June electricity tariff hike
Alabi made the allegation during a televised interview on Thursday, where he argued that the transfer of regulatory powers to sub-national governments has not been fully implemented by the federal electricity regulator.
He stated that while NERC has publicly maintained that it has ceded regulatory authority to states for electricity generation, transmission and distribution, the practical situation on the ground suggests continued federal dominance.
According to him, “the control still resides at NERC,” describing the arrangement as an inconsistency that contradicts the spirit of the new electricity law.
The commissioner noted that Ondo State has already established its own electricity regulatory framework in line with constitutional and legislative reforms, adding that about 15 to 16 states are expected to independently manage their electricity markets.
Alabi also linked the ongoing regulatory disagreement to electricity infrastructure projects in Ondo State, particularly those executed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).
He lamented that several intervention projects within the state had remained unused and vulnerable to vandalism, especially in communities that have been without stable electricity supply for years.
The commissioner disclosed that the state government had engaged the NDPHC with a proposal to transfer some of the infrastructure to the Ondo State Power Company in order to improve electricity distribution in affected areas.
He maintained that electricity distribution within a state should fall under the exclusive authority of state governments where such infrastructure is located entirely within their jurisdiction.
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The remarks highlight growing tensions between federal and state authorities over the implementation of Nigeria’s decentralised electricity framework, as reforms under the Electricity Act 2023 continue to reshape the sector.
The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has dismissed allegations that it appropriated the Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit (NDEIS) brand, insisting it lawfully obtained trademark acceptance for the name and will proceed with its 2026 summit as scheduled.
In a statement issued on September 12, 2026, the chamber described claims by Kunle Nwiwa Junior as “cheap blackmail, misleading, mischievous and a misrepresentation of the facts,” maintaining that it independently developed the summit and followed all required regulatory procedures.
According to NDCCITMA, it applied for and received a Trademark Acceptance Letter for the name Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit (NDEIS) in August 2025 under File No. NG/TM/O/2025/387284.
The chamber said the chronology of events contradicts allegations that it copied another party’s application, arguing that its trademark acceptance predated the period during which Nwiwa’s own application was reportedly still pending before the relevant authorities.
“Economic Summit” is a generic expression
NDCCITMA further argued that the phrase “Economic Summit” is a generic description widely used for conferences that bring together governments, investors, businesses, development institutions and other stakeholders to discuss investment and economic development.
The chamber maintained that while concepts may be widely used, legal protection only arises from recognised intellectual property rights, including duly registered trademarks and other enforceable proprietary interests.
It therefore rejected suggestions that any individual or organisation has exclusive ownership of the broader concept of an economic summit.
Court grants interim injunction
Addressing reports that the summit had been halted, NDCCITMA said the dispute is already before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt and that there is no court order restraining the event.
The chamber disclosed that in Suit No. FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026, Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam granted an interim injunction restraining the defendants—Kunle Nwiwa Junior and Keneva Consult Ltd.—from interfering with the planned summit.
According to NDCCITMA, the court also directed the defendants to remove publications, notices, petitions, social media posts and other statements allegedly considered damaging to the chamber’s name, integrity and reputation pending the hearing of its motion for interlocutory injunction.
The matter has been adjourned until September 22, 2026 for further hearing.
Chamber rejects ₦500 million demand claim
NDCCITMA also alleged that it had received a demand from Nwiwa Junior requesting ₦500 million as a condition for abandoning his claims over the summit.
The chamber said the demand was rejected, adding that it subsequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over what it described as repeated harassment and threats directed at its officials.
It said the petition sought police intervention, including inviting the complainant for questioning and caution where necessary.
Summit opens September 15
Despite the legal dispute, NDCCITMA reaffirmed that the 2026 Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit will hold from September 15 to 17, 2026, at the Obi Wali Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The summit will be held under the theme “Driving Investment, Innovation & Industrial Growth in the Niger Delta” and is expected to bring together policymakers, investors, business leaders, development partners and industry stakeholders to discuss economic transformation across the region.
The chamber said it remains committed to promoting commerce, industry, trade, mining, agriculture and sustainable economic development throughout the Niger Delta while allowing the courts to determine all outstanding legal issues.
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