The South East Electricity Consumers Association (SEECA) has lauded Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, for his administration’s decisive commitment to safeguarding the rights of electricity consumers across the state. The commendation follows the recent transfer of electricity market regulatory oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the state government.
Recall that NERC had, in an order issued shortly after the October 9, 2025 inauguration of five commissioners to steer the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission, formally transferred regulatory powers to the state.
Speaking with journalists in Anambra on Monday on the licensing of First Power Electricity Distribution Company Limited (FPEDC), SEECA Coordinator, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, described the development as a highly welcomed step.
He noted that the move holds immense potential for transforming the state’s electricity infrastructure and accelerating industrial development.
According to him, “Anambra State completely deserves a more efficient, responsive, and consumer-focused electricity market that will drive investment, expand local industries, and improve service delivery across all communities.”
Dr. Okafor, however, expressed deep concern over what he described as the worrisome electricity situation in Imo State. He warned that the Light Up Imo initiative, implemented through the Orashi Electricity project, has “strictly become a curse to SEECA members,” owing to persistent outages allegedly caused by power tussles between the Imo State Government and Transpower Electricity Distribution Company Ltd.
He stated that such disputes have left Imo consumers in prolonged frustration, adding that electricity users across the South East deserve fairness, transparency, and respect irrespective of their location.
The SEECA Coordinator also commended the leadership of FPEDC Managing Director, Mr. Okechukwu Okafor, whom he described as a proven professional with the competence and vision to drive a stable, consumer-friendly electricity framework in the state.
“FPEDC’s entry into the market should signal improved service delivery, accountability, and modern energy solutions for the state,” he said.
“I personally know the Manager, Mr. Okechukwu Okafor, and know what he can do owing to his outstanding records in public service leadership. What SEECA wants is an Anambra that will not suffer its members.”
Dr. Okafor emphasized that SEECA maintains a balanced approach to oversight, commending positive developments while holding stakeholders accountable for poor performance or anti-consumer practices.
He stressed that the association is not vindictive but remains committed to constructive engagement that protects consumers and strengthens the electricity sector across the region.
He further urged the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission to give urgent priority to issues affecting end-users, including metering, tariff transparency, transformer rehabilitation, feeder line expansion, and prompt response to consumer complaints.
According to him, the measure of success under the new regulatory dispensation will be the extent to which consumers experience genuine relief and noticeable improvement in their daily lives.
SEECA also advised the Anambra State Government to focus on attracting investors in electricity generation rather than inviting additional distribution companies. The association cautioned that uncoordinated expansion in the distribution sector could trigger conflicts similar to those currently playing out in Imo, ultimately leaving consumers to bear the burden.
