- Governor Alex Otti signs the Abia State Electricity Bill into law, creating a regulatory agency for power generation and distribution.
- The National Assembly invites Abia State to collaborate on Nigeria’s renewable energy transition and upcoming legislative summit.
The National Assembly has praised Governor Alex Otti for signing the Abia State Electricity Bill into law. The new law creates a regulatory authority to oversee electricity generation and distribution in the state.
Afam Ogene, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, led a delegation to visit the governor over the weekend. He commended the governor for prioritising renewable energy and addressing Nigeria’s power challenges.
“Your Excellency, we appreciate your decision to meet with us. We commend you for signing the Abia State Electricity Bill into law and prioritising renewable energy. By setting up the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority, you have taken swift action since the National Assembly moved electricity matters to the concurrent list,” Ogene said.
He explained that the new law would encourage new energy technologies and help Nigerians adopt renewable energy solutions. He also noted that the House had passed a resolution requiring government offices to transition to renewable energy.
Ogene announced that lawmakers would hold a National Legislative Summit on renewable energy from 5 to May 7, 2025. He said the summit would promote knowledge exchange and allow lawmakers and experts to discuss key issues in the sector. He formally invited Governor Otti to attend and collaborate with the National Assembly.
Ogene also praised the governor for improving Abia’s roads. He said his visit had given him a clear view of the governor’s commitment to development. Governor Otti thanked the delegation for their recognition and reaffirmed his administration’s focus on security, infrastructure, and economic growth.
“For those who knew Abia before now, we came to rewrite its story. Our people don’t believe in handouts. They believe in hard work. They need some support from the government,” Otti said.
He acknowledged electricity’s role in economic development and praised the National Assembly for promoting renewable energy. He described renewable energy as both sustainable and cost-effective.
“With the Abia State Electricity Bill now law and the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency in place, we are ready to strengthen our economy with improved power supply,” he added.
The Abia State Commissioner for Power, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, and the Special Adviser on Energy, Engr. Kachy Etolue also attended the meeting.