Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Cross River State government has approved a state-owned electricity policy aimed at transforming the power sector and achieving 95% electricity access by 2028.
The move, which introduces a competitive market model, is expected to boost power generation, improve transmission and distribution, and extend reliable electricity to underserved communities.
The approval came during an emergency State Executive Council meeting, where Governor Senator Bassey Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, directed the State Attorney General, Mr. Ededem Ani, to present the policy document.
“This policy is a game-changer for Cross River State. It will not only enhance power supply but also create a structured, independent regulatory environment to ensure efficiency and consumer protection,” Odey said.
The new policy establishes three major institutions to oversee the electricity sector, namely, “Cross River State Electricity Regulatory Commission, CRSERC; responsible for independent regulatory oversight and enforcing market rules.”
Others are, “Cross River State Electrification Agency, CRSEA; tasked with expanding electricity access to rural and underserved areas.
“Cross River State Independent System Operator, CRSISO; to managed grid operations, ensuring system stability and efficiency.”
According to the Deputy Governor, the framework will scale up generation capacity, improve infrastructure, and enforce consumer rights to drive economic growth in the state.
In addition to approving the policy, the Exco adopted a draft bill for the Cross River State Electricity Law, 2025, which will be sent to the State House of Assembly for legislative approval. If passed, the law will formalize the state’s authority over electricity regulation and market development, making Cross River one of the first states in Nigeria to fully implement subnational power sector reforms.
Beyond electricity, the Exco also approved a N500 million counterpart fund to access a matching grant from the Federal Government for the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs; the funding is expected to boost entrepreneurship and create jobs across the state.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor commended state security forces for their swift responses in crisis flashpoints and urged them to maintain high alertness across the state.
“The Governor has provided increased mobility and resources for security agencies. We expect to see consistent and effective responses across all communities,” Odey stated.
