Forum of Power and Energy Commissioners Raises the Alarm Over Moves by Senate To Amend Electricity Act 2023
By Judex OKORO
The Forum of Commissioner's of Power and Energy has raised the alarm over moves by Senate to amend Electricity Act 2023, requesting for a copy of the amendment bill 2025 to enable them make their input.
In a letter dated Judy 16, 2025 addressed to Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and signed by Chairman, Forum of Commissioners of Power and Energy, and Commissioner of Power and Renewable Energy, Cross River state, Prince Eka Williams, and the Forum's Secretary and Commissioner of Power, Renewable Energy and Transport, Benue State
Secretary, Barr. Omale Omale, they expressed surprise on the proposed amendments to the Electricity Act 2023, an Act only recently signed into law after extensive deliberation.
The group further expressed concern that the State Commissioners of Power and Energy, who are crucial stakeholders in the electricity sector, have not been appraised of these proposed amendments, describing Electricity Act 2023 as a landmark legislation that aligns with both the spirit and letter of our Constitution by decentralising control.
The letter made available to THE BEAGLES NEWS reads in part: "We wish to restate that electricity is a concurrent matter under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
"The Electricity Act 2023, as it stands, is a landmark piece of legislation that finally aligns with both the spirit and letter of our Constitution by decentralising control and fostering greater State participation in the electricity sector.
"The action of the Senate in moving forward with an amendment of the Electricity Act 2023 is of significant concern to the forum as it may inadvertently hinder the ability of state governments to administer their respective electricity markets along the lines established by the current Act.
"It is important to note that more than 13 states have taken proactive steps, passing their own electricity laws and establishing regulatory frameworks based on the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023.
"These proposed amendments could cause conflict with existing state legislation and disrupt the nascent state level electricity markets, potentially hampering the progress already made by states in developing their electricity sectors.
"We respectfully request that the Senate Committee on Power avail the Forum of Commissioners of Power and Energy with a copy of the proposed bill for our perusal and input.
"Additionally, we wish to pledge the Forum’s preparedness and willingness to collaborate with your esteemed committee on any relevant amendments that may be necessary to further strengthen the electricity sector.
"We are also open to scheduling meetings with the Senate Committee to ensure that any proposed legislation aligns with State Laws and truly serves the best interests of the States, in line with the concurrent nature of electricity as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
"We look forward to your favorable response, and to a collaborative effort that ensures a robust and constitutionally compliant electricity sector for all Nigerians."
