The bill seeking to improve electricity generation, transmission and distribution within Ogun State scaled the second reading on the floor of the State House of Assembly on Tuesday.
The bill titled “HB No. 017/OG/2024 – Ogun State Power Sector Law,” passed through a second reading as the state lawmakers took turns debating the desirability of the bill at the plenary presided over by Speaker Oludaisi Elemide at the assembly complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The second reading process commenced through a motion moved by Babatunde Tella, seconded by Damilare Bello and supported by the whole house through a unanimous voice vote.
In the opening debate on the second reading of the bill, Tella said that when passed by the assembly and assented to by Governor Dapo Abiodun, the bill would assist in improving electricity generation, transmission and distribution for the benefit of the people. He pointed out that rural areas would become integrated and thus enjoy all deserving amenities.
Corroborating the sponsor, others, including Majority Leader Yusuf Sheriff, as well as Adebisi Oyedele, Yusuf Amosun and Minority Leader Lukman Adeleye, thanked the federal and state governments as well as the National Assembly for moving the issue of electricity from the exclusive list to the concurrent legislative list, which now allows the states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity within their jurisdiction.
They noted that the initiative would assist in promoting healthy competition amongst electricity operators, create an enabling environment for industries and boost the business investments of small and medium enterprises in the state.
The lawmakers noted that if the state generates power, over 50 per cent of the challenges facing the people will be resolved, stating that access to power would also help reduce rural-urban migration in the state.
In his remarks, Speaker Elemide stated that the bill, when operational, would improve electricity generation, transmission and distribution within the state. He emphasised that it would enhance the electricity market and key power sector bodies, as well as enforce consumer rights and obligations while breaking the monopoly of the electricity providers.
He added that it would enhance synergy among stakeholders in generating revenue without unnecessarily increasing tariffs. He subsequently charged the bill to the Committee of the Whole for further legislative action.
The Speaker also announced that the stakeholders’ forum on the State Power Sector Bill is scheduled for Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 10 am.