Ondo Assembly Seeks to Strengthen Electricity Law with Public Hearing
By Oyeniwa Elizabeth
The Ondo State House of Assembly has taken steps to strengthen the state’s electricity law with a public hearing on a bill seeking to amend the Ondo State Electric Power Sector Law, 2020.
The bill aims to align the state’s electricity law with current national realities and meet the needs of the people.
Declaring the event held at the Assembly Complex open, the Speaker of the House,Rt.Hon. Olamide Oladiji, said the amendment became necessary to ensure that the state’s electricity law aligns with current realities in the nation’s power sector and meets the needs of the people.
The Speaker, while welcoming participants to the public hearing, explained that the gathering was aimed at ensuring that the purpose of the proposed legislation is not defeated through broad consultation and contributions from relevant stakeholders.
He said the bill seeks to treat each person occupying a residential or business outlet as an independent customer of electricity distribution companies for the purpose of payment and debt collection.
According to him, the initiative will not only strengthen financial sustainability through expanded commercial activities but will also promote security of lives and property as well as support the provision of streetlights across the state.
Oladiji stressed that the passage of the bill had become imperative, noting that Ondo State could not afford further delay in modernizing its electricity regulatory framework.
He expressed confidence that when passed into law, the amendment would align the state with national electricity reforms, strengthen the powers of regulatory authorities, attract private sector investment and accelerate electricity access and reliability across the Sunshine State.
The Speaker therefore urged stakeholders present at the hearing to provide useful inputs and constructive contributions that would assist the Assembly in producing a well-structured law that meets global best practices.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the House Ad-hoc Committee on Transport and Public Utilities, Hon. Chris Aiyebusiwa, described the public hearing as a significant event that directly affects the livelihood and socio-economic survival of the people of Ondo State.
Aiyebusiwa noted that the legislative arm of government considered it important for citizens to have a voice in the lawmaking process, particularly on issues relating to electricity generation and distribution which impact daily life and economic activities.
He expressed optimism that the interaction with stakeholders, including professionals and industry experts, would generate meaningful ideas capable of strengthening the proposed legislation.
The Lawmaker appreciated participants for honoring the invitation of the Assembly and assured that all submissions and recommendations would be carefully considered in the final drafting of the bill.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Johnson Alabi, explained that the amendment was necessary following the new electricity law signed by the President of Nigeria in 2023 which decentralized the electricity market and allowed states to manage their own electricity systems.
He noted that before the development, electricity management in Nigeria had been largely controlled by the Federal Government, but the new law empowered sub-national governments to participate actively in the sector.
Alabi explained that Ondo State had enacted its electricity law before the new national reform, adding that several provisions of the earlier law needed to be reviewed to align with the current electricity framework in the country.
He added that the bill, which was sponsored through the Ministry of Justice and reviewed by the State Executive Council before being forwarded to the House of Assembly, aims to create a stronger legal basis for the state to operate effectively in the evolving electricity market.
The Commissioner further noted that electricity issues affect every citizen, which informed the decision to open the legislative process to public participation so that stakeholders could contribute ideas that would make the law more robust.
Alabi also acknowledged the electricity challenges currently facing Ondo State, stressing that the proposed amendment would provide the legal backing required for the government to pursue lasting solutions within the new electricity regulatory order.
He expressed appreciation to participants for their willingness to contribute to the process and expressed optimism that the outcome of the hearing would help position Ondo State for improved electricity supply and economic growth.
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