The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has assented to the Ondo State Electric Power Sector (Amendment) Law, 2026, marking a significant step toward decentralizing and modernizing the state’s energy infrastructure.
Passed by the Ondo State House of Assembly, the legislation updates the 2020 power law to align with Nigeria’s Electricity Act 2023, creating a legal and regulatory foundation aimed at attracting private investment, expanding grid access, and ensuring a reliable electricity supply.
Central to the amended law is the establishment of the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC), an independent body tasked with issuing licenses, setting tariffs, and regulating open access, mini-grids, renewable energy projects, and third-party investments. To oversee grid stability and market efficiency, the legislation also creates the State Independent System Operator (SISO) and the State Market Operator (SMO). Additionally, quality control and technical compliance will be monitored by the newly formed Equipment Standards and Competence Certification Agency (ESCCA), which will inspect electrical installations and certify technicians and contractors.
The law introduces strict consumer and infrastructure protections, including mandatory metering across both grid-connected and off-grid networks to ensure direct billing relationships between customers and service providers.
To safeguard private and community-financed assets, such as transformers and distribution lines from arbitrary interference, the legislation creates the offense of “Electricity Infrastructure Expansion Sabotage.” Convicted offenders face a fine of ₦2 million, alongside a daily penalty of ₦25,000 for continued non-compliance following official notification.
To drive commercial growth, the Ondo State Power Company has been empowered to partner with investors in generation, transmission, distribution, small hydro projects, and renewable energy technologies. The state can now grant specified exclusivity rights to private investors and classify public and community energy assets as “State Protected Investments.”
Commenting on the assent, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Johnson Jaiyeola Alabi, highlighted that the framework positions Ondo State to capitalize fully on national energy market reforms. Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s vision to leverage improved power access as a foundation for regional industrialization and economic growth.
