A public hearing on a groundbreaking bill aimed at revolutionizing electricity generation, transmission, and distribution in Ogun State has received widespread acclaim.
The legislation, spearheaded by the Ogun State House of Assembly, seeks to tackle the perennial energy challenges plaguing residents and businesses.
The forum, which brought together experts from Boston Power Limited, the Distribution Company (DISCO), the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Forum, the Nigeria Society of Engineers, and government officials, provided a platform for stakeholders to contribute to the legislative process and shape the future of the state’s power sector.
The importance of involving engineers and technicians with expertise in the power sector in the bill’s development was emphasized, as well as the need for Public-Private Partnerships to ensure the success and sustainability of the State Power Sector Law.
In his opening remarks, Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide highlighted the significance of addressing the nation’s energy crisis.
He praised the State Government’s efforts to create an efficient electricity market and the National Assembly’s initiative to decentralize electricity generation.
The bill, titled “House Bill No. 017/OG/2024,” aims to transform Ogun State’s electricity landscape by improving generation, transmission, and distribution, establishing a vibrant electricity market, and protecting consumer rights.
“In this wise, the House, in line with its legislative practice and procedure, organized this Forum to provide an avenue for stakeholders to participate in an elaborate discussion on the proposed bill and make recommendations for further consideration by the appropriate House Committee towards ensuring that the Bill has necessary impetus and legislative credence required for the achievement of the desired goals”.
“Distinguished Honourable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen, let me inform you that this Bill has been extensively debated at the Plenary Sessions held on the Floor of the Hallowed Chamber, so that the House, as partners in progress, could support the present administration in its mission to improve the living standards of its citizens, through appropriate legislation”.
“I therefore urge you all to contribute constructively and where necessary, you can forward your memorandum to the House for consideration”, he submitted.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chairman of the Committee on Water Resources, Energy and Rural Development and the Sponsor of the bill, Hon. ( Dr.) Babatunde Tella, highlighted the need to address the erratic and epileptic nature of power supply in the country, which he noted had negatively impacted the socio- economic lives of the people.
He stressed that the bill had the potentials to create a more conducive environment for businesses and improve the overall quality of lives of the people and investors in the State.
According to him, the bill was aimed at achieving an efficient and effective electricity market for the State; establish a regulatory Commission for electricity market in the State, promote and support investment in electric power projects within the State as well as ensure that the State had enough electric power generation, transmission and distribution capacity to meet its demand at every time amongst others.
