The Forum of Commissioners of Power and Energy in Nigeria (FOCPEN) has kicked against the Senate-proposed Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill 2025.
In a joint statement by its Chairman, Prince Eka Williams, and Secretary, Omale Omale, in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, the forum said it was against the proposed amendment.
Williams, who is the Commissioner of Power and Renewable Energy in Cross River State, and Omale, that of Benue State, expressed surprise and concern over the ongoing deliberation in the Senate on the Bill.
The forum expressed dismay that the Senate was deliberating to amend the landmark law enacted barely two years ago, and over 16 states have adopted it.
“This unexpected legislative move comes barely two years after the landmark Electricity Act 2023 was signed into law.
“During this period, many states have begun to establish and operationalise their electricity markets under the new decentralised framework.
“More than 16 states have passed their electricity laws since the enactment of the Electricity Act in 2023, and signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“FOCPEN notes with dismay the absence of any prior consultations with state governments or their relevant commissioners and state electricity regulatory bodies during the drafting and presentation of this crucial amendment bill on the floor of the Senate.
“This oversight is particularly concerning given the significant strides made in decentralising Nigeria’s electricity sector,” they said.
According to them, the Electricity Act 2023 stands as a signature achievement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The forum said the enactment followed the groundbreaking fifth alteration to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which decisively removed all ambiguities regarding the ability of states to make laws and regulate electricity markets within their territories.
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