By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development has issued a formal directive to the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency, demanding immediate regulatory action against Aba Power Limited Electric over persistent power outages in Aba.

In a statement dated May 4, 2026 and signed by its Executive Director, Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, alongside Head of Corporate Accountability and Litigation, Femisi Akande, the group accused the power firm of failing to meet statutory obligations under the Electricity Act 2023.

FENRAD said prolonged blackouts, erratic voltage supply, and technical failures had disrupted economic activities in Aba, describing the situation as requiring urgent regulatory intervention.

“For several weeks, residents, industries, and commercial operators in Aba have suffered prolonged blackouts… with little or no communication from Aba Power,” the statement said.

The organisation stated that the situation constituted “a violation of statutory service obligations” and an infringement on consumer rights.

“This directive is anchored on the Electricity Act 2023… which places responsibility on state regulators to enforce service standards and prevent abuse of dominant market position,” FENRAD said.

It added that under existing transition guidelines by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, operators remain accountable to both federal and state oversight during the transition to sub-national regulation.

“No operator is exempt from accountability during the transition period,” the group stated.

FENRAD alleged that Aba Power’s operations reflected “failure to meet minimum technical standards, consumer rights violations, and abuse of dominant market position within the Aba Ring-Fence.”

The group directed ASERA to initiate a compliance audit of the company, enforce sanctions, and introduce corrective measures.

“We hereby instruct ASERA to conduct a forensic audit… impose penalties for prolonged outages, and issue binding corrective directives with timelines,” it said.

FENRAD also called for a review of the Aba Ring-Fence structure, including possible restructuring to address monopoly concerns.

“Pursuant to Section 96, there is a need to consider market restructuring, including unbundling, to eliminate monopoly control,” the statement added.

On consumer protection, the group demanded enforcement of fair billing, compensation for affected users, and improved communication systems.

“Consumers are entitled to fair billing, service quality, and compensation for service failures,” it said.

FENRAD issued a pre-action notice, warning that failure by ASERA to act could trigger legal proceedings.

“Failure… will compel FENRAD to file regulatory petitions, initiate public interest litigation, and petition federal oversight institutions,” the group warned.

It also called on the Abia State Government to support regulatory enforcement and protect Aba’s economic viability.

“Electricity is not a privilege—it is a legal right and economic necessity,” the statement said.

The group maintained that it would continue to monitor developments to ensure compliance with regulatory standards in the electricity sector.