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Federal government to partner states to provide affordable solar power to boost electricity in the country
FG express willingness to partner states to provide Solar power and facilitate the shift towards increased participation in the electricity market.
Nigeria’s Vice President (VP) Kashim Shettima has urged stakeholders in the electricity industry to maintain the willingness to learn and adapt to the new electricity framework and timelines.
The VP who was represented by Engr Sadiq Wanka, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Power further appealed to Nigerians to be patient to give time for flexibility in the transition process, adding that the federal government is ready to partner with states to facilitate the shift towards increased participation in the electricity market.
These were the Vice President’s remarks at a two-day Stakeholders Interactive Dialogue/Workshop on Power Sector organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Power held at Fraser Suites Abuja on 23rd April 2024.
He said there is a lot to be excited about with the new Electricity Act, which has the core elements of resolving the structural issues that have hindered investments in the sector, from liquidity challenges to the inadequate legal framework.
“I must congratulate the National Assembly for its steadfastness in leading the conversation on this (electricity) orderly transition and for demonstrating a willingness to review the recently passed Electricity Act as needed.
“The Electricity Act 2023 that was passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seeks to overhaul the structure of the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry.
“It proposes a structure that promotes more competition and greater scope for tailoring power solutions to local needs, while transitioning to a market structure that would attract much needed investments and promote environmental sustainability.
“There is a lot to be excited about with the new Electricity Act, which has the core elements of resolving the structural issues that have hindered investments in the sector – from liquidity challenges, to the inadequate legal framework.
“The wholesale structural shift that the Electricity Act 2023 (as amended) and the associated constitutional amendment usher in, means we need to double down on ensuring an orderly transition to the new national electricity market framework.”
On his part, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu announced the proposed establishment of three gigawatts of solar energy sources across the 25 states in the north and southwest parts of the country.
Adelabu said this is a novel approach that will go a long way to solve the power problems and encouraged state governments to invest in power generation in their states.
Elizabeth Atime
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