From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
Following the recent signing of the Electricity Act of 2023 into law by the Federal Government, the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations (Alliance), known as REEEA-A, has urged states across the country to leverage this act to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity locally.
The President of the Alliance, Prof. Magnus Onuoha, made this statement at a stakeholders advocacy workshop recently in Kaduna.
Represented by Mr. Abba Musa, who is responsible for finance, Prof. Onuoha explained that the act would enable states to achieve independence in sourcing electricity, making it more available, accessible, and affordable for their residents.
He further clarified that the Alliance was established to promote the development of the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors in Nigeria, aiming to bridge the gap between the private sector and the government. “This Alliance, which was established under the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), serves to enhance energy access and affordability as outlined in the Act,” he stated.
In a similar vein, electricity sector expert Barrister Aruoture Akpofure encouraged states to seize the opportunities provided by the Act and the financial benefits it may bring to the country’s development. He noted that the Act frees states from the control of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), allowing them to set their own tariffs.
While commending Enugu, Lagos, and Ogun States for independently generating their electricity, Akpofure advised other states preparing to do the same to develop a Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) to facilitate a smooth process. “To ensure that independent electricity provision is easy to implement and affordable, there should be a SIP in place. This plan will outline how the sector should be managed and identify the experts needed for its realization,” he said.
