- NASS has passed a constitutional amendment bill to enable the formation of state electricity markets across the country.
The National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria yesterday passed a constitutional amendment bill that will allow states in the federation to operate their electricity markets. The amendment bill received 298 “Ayes” and 2 “Nay” votes in the House of Representatives and 90 “yes” and “0” no votes in the Senate. However, the amendment is still subject to “approval by resolution” of the Houses of Assembly of two-thirds (24) of the states in the federation.
A Bill For An Act to alter the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to allow States generate, transmit and distribute electricity in areas covered by the national grid; and for related matters.
Ayes 298
Nays 2Ayes have it.
— House of Reps NGR (@HouseNGR) March 1, 2022
The passage of the bill presents the first major step in the decentralisation of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry. However, States like Lagos have already started laying the groundwork for a regional electricity market.
Read also: Overview of the Proposed Electricity Bill and Its Impact on the Nigerian Power Sector
The March 2022 Power Dialogue, titled ‘Towards a Decentralised Electricity Market – The Lagos State Electricity Policy’ will discuss the possibility and potential benefits of a decentralised electricity market in Nigeria. This session will assess the features of the proposed Lagos Electricity Market, highlighting the risks and rewards of this adventurous plan.
Register here: https://dialogue.nigeriaelectricityhub.com/register