Nsikak Akpan
A Bill for a Law To make Provision For The Electricity Generation, Transmission and Distribution Within and For The Residents of Akwa Ibom State ;To Establish Akwa Ibom Electricity Regulatory Board and For other Matters Connected Therewith has taken place at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
The Bill is seeking to promote policy and regulatory measures to ensure the expansion of efficient power generation and transmission towards the development of a competitive electricity market and to stimulate policy that will attract investment across the State Electricity value chain to re-energize economic growth, drive job creation and also improve the living conditions of residents of Akwa Ibom State.
The Chairman, Akwa Ibom State House Committee on
Rural Development /Power/ Water Resources and Public Utility, Rt Hon. Asuquo Udo who highlighted this during a Public Hearing for the Bill, on Monday September 9, 2024 at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Complex stated that it is a statutory obligation of the House of Assembly to draft Bills and facilitate it's enactment into laws to address the critical issues of positive effects on the society and general well being of the citizenry.
Hon. Udo who is the Representative of Ikono State Constituency in the State House of Assembly said that the Eighth Assembly has actively demonstrated its commitment by abiding to the cardinal responsibilities of law making and effective representation and emphasized that the enactment of the Bill is critical to fulfilling one of the core contributions and obligations of the Eighth Assembly.
The Ikono Lawmaker who thanked Governor Umo Eno for ensuring a cordial working relationship between the State Executive and the Legislature and for his unwavering support to Akwa Ibom people, noted that the Bill is another milestone in the infrastructural development effort of the Governor, to meet the short, medium and long-term goals of the ARISE Agenda.
He assured that the Public Hearing will avail the opportunity for stakeholders to amend and substantially recast the Bill. to reflect civic concerns.
In his Opening Remarks, the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong stated that the Bill is aimed revolutionizing the living conditions of the people by taking full advantage of the immense potential of electricity availability.
"The provisions of the Bill are accordingly far reaching. For instance, within the jurisdiction of the Bill, provision is made for an ideal legal and institutional framework to leverage on the modest gains of the privatization and decentralization of the power sector in Nigeria.
This is to accelerate growth in power generation capacity and improve utilisation of generated power through increased investment in new and efficient power generation technology, even as existing power plants are strengthened", he emphasized.
Speaker Otong who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem stressed that Electricity is indeed a Socio-economic game changer any day and added that it is the key to urbanisation as it can turn villages into cities and micro industrial hubs. He said that there can be no night-life without it and noted that criminality will be minimised as the teaming youths will engage in various ventures.
He emphasized that the economic potentials are maximised when there can exploration of opportunities afforded by stable and affordable electric power supply. He stated that what we do with electricity therefore determines the ultimate developmental trajectory as a people.
He noted that the meeting is very critical to the economic wellbeing and sustainability of the State.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Power, Engr. Camillus Umoh who stated that power is a critical element for development, advocated for a collaborative review of the Bill to ensure the best outcome for the State and it's residents.
Engr. Umoh also highlighted the need for inclusivity in the power sector, dependent on skills sets outlined in the government policies and programs.
The Commissioner confirmed that Akwa Ibom has a State Electricity Policy, and is developing an integrated electricity project and strategic implementation plan. He stressed the importance of collaboration among players in the electricity value chain and the need for a clear legal framework to avoid restrictive and anti-investment perceptions.
He advised the Committee to consider consistency, uniformity and standardization with global templates, citing the Nigerian Governor's forum and regional initiatives like the West Africa Power Pool project.
He emphasized the need for knowledged-based policy directives, independent regulatory agencies and global best practices to attract quality players and achieve an effective power value chain.
In their separate remarks, notable stakeholders in the power sector including the Managing Director of Ibom Power, Mr. Mmayen Etukudo, Chairman, Chartered Institute of Energy Consumers, Electricity Consumer's Forum, Barr. Clifford Thomas, Representatives from Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution, Mr. Ugochukwu Okpara, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Sunny James, Centre for Human Right and Accountability Network, Mr. Franklin Isong, Akwa Ibom State Civil Society Organization Forum, Mr. Harrison Udo amongst others described the Bill as people oriented and emphasized the need for players in the value chain to be licensed as well as make power available to compete with emerging market to enhance economic growth and tackle energy poverty.
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