The Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) has transitioned to a holding company (HoldCo) to enhance its effectiveness in Nigeria’s evolving power market and decentralised regulatory environment.
The DisCo, in a statement on Sunday, January 18, said the move followed the enactment of the Electricity Act (2023), empowering state governments to establish independent electricity markets and regulatory commission.
The company explained that it had restructured its corporate operations to improve agility, strengthen governance, and enhance service delivery across its franchise areas in response to the decentralised electricity ecosystem.
The AEDC also informed that it incorporated two new subsidiary companies — Niger Electricity Distribution Company and the Kogi Electricity Distribution Company — as part of the transformation.
“These entities will operate under the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NSERC) and the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC), respectively, while remaining integral members of the AEDC Group,” the statement read.
“Key executive appointments have been made, including Sam Odekina as Chief Business Officer and Acting Managing Director of Niger Electricity Distribution Company, and Desmond Eboh as Chief Business Officer and LP Acting Managing Director of Kogi Electricity Distribution Company.
“Plans are underway to commence operations in Nasarawa State, with the transition process expected to begin soon,” it added.
The DisCo reaffirmed its dedication to supporting sustainable, state-regulated electricity markets and setting benchmarks for efficiency, reliability, and customer experience.
The company revealed that it operates in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as well as in parts of Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa states, demonstrating its commitment to driving economic growth and enhancing the quality of life.
Commenting on the decentralisation process, AEDC’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chijioke Okwuokenye, said the HoldCo structure positioned the company to respond to state-specific regulatory requirements while maintaining a unified corporate identity, shared values, and a strong commitment to operational excellence and customer service.
“All subsidiaries will operate as one integrated AEDC family, with uniform conditions of service for employees, ensuring workforce stability and fairness,” he said.
“The Holdco structure aligns perfectly with our goal to enhance operational efficiency and adapt to Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape while exploring new opportunities, driving growth and contributing to Nigeria’s energy sector development.”
Okwuokenye added that the AEDC was committed to maintaining high standards of service, innovation and customer focus, even as it evolved into a new structure.
Apart from AEDC, earlier report by The ICIR revealed that states had been taking responsibility for regulatory oversight in their respective territories, guided by the provisions of the Electricity Act,2023.
Under the new regulatory order, the AEDC is mandated to establish a subsidiary and a holding company under the Companies and Allied Matters Act.
Harrison Edeh is a journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, always determined to drive advocacy for good governance through holding public officials and businesses accountable.