Gombe State Sets Up Electricity Regulator and Tech Commission to Boost Power and Innovation
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has formally approved the creation of two new regulatory bodies, the Gombe State Electricity Regulatory Commission (GOSERC) and the Gombe State Information Technology and Digital Economy Commission (GIDTEC), as part of the state’s efforts to reform its power sector and drive technological growth.
The approvals were communicated in a statement by Gombe’s Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, who explained that the establishment of both commissions follows the governor’s assent to the enabling bills, giving them full legal authority to operate.
Under the new arrangements, Dr. Usman Abba Arabi, a seasoned electricity expert and former spokesman at the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has been appointed as Chairman of GOSERC. Meanwhile, Dr. Al-Amin Umar Barambu will lead GIDTEC, bringing his academic and professional expertise to the emerging technology and digital economy sector.
The creation of the electricity regulator is aligned with Gombe’s ongoing power sector reforms under the state’s Electricity Law 2025, which provides a legal framework for managing electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and market oversight within the state. This follows similar moves by other states taking advantage of the federal Electricity Act 2023 to domesticate electricity regulation locally.
According to the statement, establishing GOSERC is expected to strengthen regulation, improve electricity service delivery, attract private investment, and expand access to reliable power for residents and businesses across Gombe.
The new GIDTEC aims to deepen economic transformation by promoting the information technology sector, enhancing digital innovation, supporting ICT growth, and creating opportunities for youth employment in the digital economy.
Both appointments are set to take effect from 2 January 2026, marking the beginning of what the state government describes as a strengthened institutional framework for energy and technology governance in Gombe State.