Forum backs Tinubu’s power sector reforms

•Says decentralisation way forward for Nigeria’s

The Forum of Power and Energy Commissioners in Nigeria (FPECN) has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s electricity sector reforms, describing the decentralisation of the power market as a far-reaching step that can transform the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

Forum chairman and Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Honourable Eka Williams, said the reforms would not only unlock fresh investments and expand access to electricity, but will also reduce the burden on the Federal Government thereby paving the way for states and the private sector participation.

He said, the Electricity Act 2023 provides the legal framework for states to play more active roles in generation and distribution while commending the Minister of Power for inaugurating a nine-member committee to address challenges associated with market decentralisation.

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He said: “The president is taking bold steps that will transform the sector. The decentralisation drive is the right way to go for Nigeria. Everyone must contribute to solving the country’s electricity challenge. The reforms would unlock fresh investments, expand electricity access and reduce the burden on the Federal Government by encouraging greater participation from states and the private sector.”

While urging state governments, corporate organisations and private investors to invest in power infrastructure, he said electricity development should be a shared national responsibility, he cautioned against expecting immediate results saying power projects are capital-intensive and require long implementation period.