By Izunna Okafor, Awka
In continuation of the implementation of the power sector reforms and efforts towards achieving sustainable energy independence in Anambra State, the State House of Assembly has confirmed a five-man team to man the recently established Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC), as nominated by Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR.
The confirmation, which took place during plenary on Tuesday at the floor of the House, followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme (representing Ekwusigo Constituency), and seconded by Hon. Noble Igwe (representing Ogbaru I Constituency), after the lawmakers had reviewed and adopted the comprehensive report of the House Committee on Screening and Election Matters, chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye.
The newly confirmed ASERC members include: Prof. Frank Nwokoye Okafor from Ogidi (Chairman/Chief Executive Officer), Engr. Geoffrey Okwuchukwu Nwokoye from Ekwulọbịa (Commissioner), Dr. Nnaemeka O. Ewelukwa from Oraukwu (Commissioner), Engr. Anosike Emmanuel from Umumbo (Commissioner), and Barr. Chijioke Nnaemeka from Nnewi (Commissioner).
The confirmation exercise, which followed a rigorous screening process, also featured questions from some lawmakers who examined the nominees on their expertise, understanding of power sector governance, and vision for electricity regulation in the state. The responses, which were adjudged satisfactory, further strengthened the House’s confidence in the team’s competence and readiness to serve.
Speaking shortly after the confirmation, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, congratulated the appointees, urging them to see their confirmation as both a call to service and a heavy responsibility to the people of Anambra State. He expressed confidence in their pedigree and noted that their credentials reflect a team of tested technocrats capable of transforming the state’s electricity landscape.
“On behalf of the 8th Assembly, I congratulate you all for your confirmation as members of the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission,” the Speaker said.
“Like I told you earlier, this is a call to serve Ndi Anambra. From your introductions and profiles, I can say that Ndi Anambra will be proud to have you in that Commission. This opportunity given to you is both a challenge and a responsibility that must be carried with due respect for Ndi Anambra,” he added.
The Speaker commended the Deputy Speaker and other members of the Screening Committee for their diligence, as well as the entire House for their support throughout the exercise. He charged the new Commissioners to hit the ground running immediately, reminding them that expectations are high.
“Once you leave the chamber, your job begins,” he said, saying “Ndi Anambra expect results, and I pray that God guides you as you discharge your duties.”
Speaking on behalf of his team, the newly confirmed ASERC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Frank Nwokoye Okafor, expressed gratitude to the House for the confidence reposed in them. He promised that the Commission would work with transparency, inclusiveness, and constant consultation to meet public expectations and attract more investments into the state’s electricity sector.
His words: “My team and I are deeply appreciative of the support and commitment of this Honourable House.
“We make a solemn promise to always consult, collaborate, and work tirelessly to ensure the growth of our people and the encouragement of investments. We will take every directive and advice from this House seriously and ensure that our work aligns with the aspirations of Ndi Anambra.”
Fielding questions from journalists shortly after the plenary, Prof. Okafor outlined the Commission’s key priorities. He emphasized that the Commission would focus on improving power availability and ensuring revenue assurance, making sure that investors recover payments for power delivered, while consumers pay only for energy consumed.
He likened the principle of fair energy transaction to market economics, saying: “When you buy tomatoes, you pay for what you take. It’s the same with electricity. No one should pay for power not delivered, and investors must have the confidence that they’ll be paid for services rendered.”
He also identified expanding energy consumption as another major focus, stressing that increased electricity demand through industrial growth would reduce unemployment and curb crime.
According to him, “Our consumption rate is still too low. Lagos dispatches about 2,500 megawatts, while Anambra’s load is below 200. We must grow our consumption by attracting industries that rely on stable power supply.”
Responding to a question on renewable energy, Prof. Okafor noted that the Commission would adopt a diversified approach to electricity generation, integrating sources such as solar, gas, and hydro energy.
“We are talking about improving power availability, and the source can be renewable, gas, or hydro. Anyone who wants to invest in renewable energy in Anambra is welcome,” he concluded, while revealing that he also personally uses renewable energy at home.
Reacting to the confirmation in an interview with newsmen, the Anambra State Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, who was also physically present at the House, described the development as “a major milestone” in the state’s journey toward energy autonomy and the domestication of the power sector in line with the Electricity Act, 2023.
He explained that with the establishment and confirmation of ASERC members, Anambra State now possesses the institutional framework required to take ownership of its electricity market. “The 2023 Electricity Act empowers states to control power generation, transmission, and distribution within their boundaries,” he said, adding that the Commission will now act as the regulator of all electricity activities within Anambra’s jurisdiction.
Engr. Chukwuemeka disclosed that the state would soon write to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to officially transfer regulatory functions for intra-state electricity operations to ASERC. This, he said, will allow the state to monitor its power supply, consumption, and tariffs more effectively.
He further revealed that the Ministry of Power and Water Resources had already laid a solid foundation for the Commission’s smooth take-off through the development of strategic documents, including the Anambra State Electricity Law 2025, the Integrated Resource Planning Document (which outlines energy demand projections), and the Anambra State Electricity Policy, which embeds renewable energy and sustainability measures.
“The policy captures all aspects of renewable energy and energy efficiency,” he explained, reaffirming that “Renewables are cheaper, cleaner, and environmentally friendly, and we are committed to integrating them into the state’s energy system.”
While commending Governor Soludo for what he described as “a well-considered selection,” the Commissioner said the appointed members were all veterans of the power sector, each with deep institutional and technical experience. He highlighted that the Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Okafor, previously served as a Commissioner for Engineering at NERC for five years and was also part of the team that drafted Nigeria’s electricity Policy and Bill; while Engr. Geoffrey Nwokoye rose through the ranks at the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), where he also served as General Manager and Managing Director.
Continuing, Commissioner Chukwuemeka hinted that Engr. Emmanuel Anosike retired as a Director in the Federal Ministry of Power, and had also acted as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry; while Dr. Nnaemeka Ewelukwa was the immediate past Managing Director of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc. He further added that Barr. Chijioke Nnaemeka, on his own part, is a seasoned legal expert with vast regulatory experience.
“So, you can see that these are not people coming for trials. They are professionals who have been tested and trusted. And Ndi Anambra will soon begin to feel the impact of this strong and competent team,” he assured.
The Commissioner also clarified that the establishment of ASERC does not replace the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) but will instead complement its activities. He explained that under the new electricity law, distribution Companies (DISCOs) are expected to establish Subsidiary Companies (SUBCOs) within their operational states.
“In line with this, EEDC has already established its Anambra subsidiary known as First Power, which is fully operational,” he stated, while also assuring that ASERC will work closely with both EEDC and First Power to ensure efficient power distribution, fair billing, and better service delivery to Ndị Anambra.
With the Ministry of Power and Water Resources being the mother Ministry of ASERC, Commissioner Chukwuemeka reaffirmed that there will be smooth, robust, and impactful synergy between the Ministry, ASERC, NERC, and all relevant stakeholders to guarantee steady progress and Anambra’s continuous rise. These, he said, are all geared towards full realization of Governor Soludo’s vision of making Anambra a liveable and prosperous homeland, as well as a destination point, rather than a departure lounge.
“So, we have laid solid foundation already. And, now, with ASERC in place, Anambra is set for an energy revolution that will boost industrial growth, job creation, and general economic sustainability in the state,” he concluded.
Recall that the Anambra State Government, in June, officially created ASERC to regulate electricity generation, distribution, and supply within the state, following the approval by the State Executive Council (ANSEC) and the recent enactment of the Anambra State Electricity Law. This move, it was gathered, empowers the state to manage its power sector, attract investors, and improve power availability to drive its industrial revolution.
More photos from the event:
