Osun Governor Directs Immediate Enforcement of New Electricity Law

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has ordered the immediate implementation of the Osun State Electricity Market Regulatory Law 2025, a legislation that aims to transform the state’s power sector by creating an independent electricity regulator, strengthening consumer rights, and encouraging investments in renewable and off-grid energy projects. In a statement from his office, the governor directed the Ministry of Energy to develop a comprehensive plan that would ensure the swift rollout of the new law. He instructed that the plan must set out timelines for execution, establish the operational framework for the new electricity regulator, and detail how the state will work with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to prevent jurisdictional conflicts. Governor Adeleke stressed that the reform is designed not only to improve service delivery but also to protect citizens from what he described as years of exploitation and inefficiency in electricity distribution. The law, which was passed by the Osun State House of Assembly on July 29, 2025, grants the state authority to establish the Osun State Electricity Regulatory Commission. The commission will oversee electricity generation, distribution, and consumer protection within the state. It is empowered to license operators, monitor compliance, handle consumer complaints, and penalize service providers that fail to meet expected standards. The legislation also provides a framework for attracting investment into renewable and off-grid energy systems, thereby reducing dependence on the overstretched national grid. Governor Adeleke has repeatedly emphasized that reliable and affordable power is central to his administration’s agenda for economic growth and social development. He said the law represents a turning point in Osun’s effort to create an enabling environment for industries, small businesses, and households that have long endured poor electricity supply. According to him, by creating a state regulatory body, Osun can directly hold operators accountable, while also encouraging new players to enter the market with innovative energy solutions. Reactions to the governor’s directive have been mixed. Civil society groups and community leaders have praised the move as long overdue, highlighting the suffering of residents who have faced inconsistent electricity and arbitrary billing. Energy experts, however, caution that the real challenge lies in funding the regulator, building the required technical capacity, and ensuring effective collaboration with federal regulators. Distribution companies, especially the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company which currently supplies Osun, are expected to face stricter oversight under the new regime, a development that could trigger tensions but also drive improvements in service delivery. The state government will now focus on setting up the commission, recruiting qualified professionals to manage it, and establishing rules to guide operators. Discussions are also expected to begin with potential investors and development agencies interested in renewable and off-grid energy projects. The administration is confident that by aligning with national regulations and engaging private partners, Osun can position itself as a model for other states that are beginning to exercise their new constitutional powers over electricity. The directive marks a decisive step in Osun’s journey to reform its electricity sector. While expectations among residents are high, the success of the initiative will depend on the government’s ability to translate the law into action and deliver concrete improvements in electricity supply. If executed effectively, the reform could open new opportunities for economic growth, create jobs, and significantly ease the burden of energy poverty across the state.