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Stakeholders who attended the public hearing conducted today by the Ogun State House of Assembly on a bill aimed at improving electricity generation, transmission and distribution within the State have commended the State Government and the Assembly for putting together such a laudable legislation meant to address long time energy challenge being confronted by the people and business operators and investors.
The stakeholders including the Global Adviser, Boston Power limited, Wale Oluwo, Regional Head of the Distribution Company {DISCO) in the State, Engr. Abdul-rasaq Jimoh, State Chairman, Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Forum, Engr. Mutiu Odesanya, State Chairman, Nigeria Society of Engineers, Engr. Mayowa Idowu, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Mr. Oluwaseyi Sokoya,as well as the Director of Legislative Drafting in the State Ministry of Justice, Barr. James Mafe, lauded the State lawmakers' resolve to accord the bill the priority it deserves.
According to them, the stakeholders forum had provided a platform for players in the sector to contribute to the legislative process in shaping the future of the the State's power sector, noting that engineers and technicians with background in power should be given major role in the bill, while encouraging Public-Private Partnerships to guarantee the success and sustainability of the State Power Sector Law, when operational.
Declaring the forum open, the Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, noted that the forum consisted of eminent personalities drawn across diverse professions were expected to share opinions on House Bill No. 017/OG/2024, "A Bill for a Law to Improve Flectricity Generation, Transmission and Distribution Within Ogun State, Establish an Electricity Market and Key Power Sector Bodies, Enforce Consumer Rights and Obligations and For Related Matters".
He pointed out that one of the enormous challenges facing the nation was epileptic power supply and its adverse effect on socio-economic development of the country, noting that, " while the efforts and determination of the present administration in the State to create an efficient and effective electricity market for the State is commendable, it is equally worthy to salute the laudable initiative of the National Assembly for deeming it fit to decentralise electricity generation and related matters to enable both private and public entities venture into power generation.
In this wise, the House, in line with its legislative practice and procedure, organized this Forum to provide an avenue for stakeholders to participate in an elaborate discussion on the proposed bill and make recommendations for further consideration by the appropriate House Committee towards ensuring that the Bill has necessary impetus and legislative credence required for the achievement of the desired goals.
Distinguished Honourable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen, let me inform you that this Bill has been extensively debated at the Plenary Sessions held on the Floor of the Hallowed Chamber, so that the House, as partners in progress, could support the present administration in its mission to improve the living standards of its citizens, through appropriate legislation.
I therefore urge you all to contribute constructively and where necessary, you can forward your memorandum to the House for consideration", he submitted.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chairman of the Committee on Water Resources, Energy and Rural Development and the Sponsor of the bill, Hon. ( Dr.) Babatunde Tella, highlighted the need to address the erratic and epileptic nature of power supply in the country, which he noted had negatively impacted the socio- economic lives of the people.
He stressed that the bill had the potentials to create a more conducive environment for businesses and improve the overall quality of lives of the people and investors in the State.
According to him, the bill was aimed at achieving an efficient and effective electricity market for the State; establish a regulatory Commission for electricity market in the State, promote and support investment in electric power projects within the State as well as ensure that the State had enough electric power generation, transmission and distribution capacity to meet its demand at every time amongst others.
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