Stop the habit of Waiting For The FG, fix your electricity problems — Shettima Tells State Governors
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged state governments to stop depending on the Federal Government to solve their electricity problems and establish functional electricity markets under the Electricity Act 2023.
Speaking through Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, at a workshop in Abuja on Wednesday, Shettima said reliable electricity was essential for Nigeria’s industrial growth.
“The Act empowers States to develop and regulate intrastate electricity markets within the applicable constitutional and statutory framework.
“Electricity supply must become a shared responsibility, pursued with innovation and accountability across the Federation. Our States must shed the habit of waiting for Abuja to provide every answer,” he said.
He cited solar potential in Sokoto, Borno and Katsina, gas resources in Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa, and hydroelectric opportunities in Niger and Kebbi, urging states to harness them for economic development.
Shettima urged states yet to establish electricity regulators to act promptly.
“Legislation cannot implement itself. States yet to act must begin their legislative and institutional preparations promptly. They need to establish functional electricity regulatory bodies with technical competence and capacity,” he said.
He also called for private investment, saying, “Private capital must arrive with technology and expertise.”
On consumer protection, he warned against arbitrary billing and poor service, adding, “The final verdict on this law will be delivered wherever a Nigerian reaches for a switch.”
The Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr Abdulateef Shittu, said work was ongoing on a standard tariff framework to protect consumers while attracting investment.
The electricity commission’s Head of Compliance, Hauwa Yakubu, disclosed that regulatory transfers had been issued to 17 states.
President Bola Tinubu signed the Electricity Act in June 2023, allowing states to regulate electricity generation, transmission and distribution within their territories.
