A roundtable discussion on the recently enacted Electricity Act 2023 highlighted the need for states to receive support in order to leverage the opportunities the new legislation presents.
The roundtable, jointly convened by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the British High Commission through the United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNIAF), focused on the importance of a tailored approach to address each state’s unique challenges and limitations.
NGF Chairman, Kwara State Governor AbdulRasaq AbdulRahman, emphasized the need for capacity building, policy guidance, knowledge sharing, and infrastructure development by supporting state governments in identifying and developing bankable projects in the electricity sector.
Thomas Pascoe, Project Director at UKNIAF, stressed that addressing the structural challenges in Nigeria’s energy sector is crucial for its growth and development.
British Deputy High Commissioner Gill Atkinson highlighted the significance of the new provision in the Electricity Act that grants State Governments the ability to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity, which can help address Nigeria’s energy deficit.
During the roundtable, participants discussed key drivers for advancing the implementation of the Electricity Act, such as fostering collaboration at a regional level, creating transition roadmaps based on comprehensive assessments, and establishing clear market frameworks at the state level.
The roundtable aims to set a promising course for Nigeria’s energy sector through cooperation, clarity, and a commitment to excellence, driven by a new legal framework.
It was also decided to encourage support from the donor community and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) that align with the contextual realities of each state, prioritise joint initiatives at the regional level, and utilise diverse professional expertise to bolster the sector’s capabilities.
The goal is to create a seamless transition, actively engage and manage stakeholders, and foster effective market coordination and governance.
This discussion marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to improve its energy sector, aligning policies and actions to boost electricity generation and distribution to meet the needs of a growing population.
Source: Nairametrics