Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged state governments to stop relying solely on the Federal Government to solve electricity problems and establish functional power markets under the Electricity Act 2023.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja on Wednesday, Shettima called on states to establish competent electricity regulatory bodies, harness available energy resources and attract private investment to improve power supply.
He identified solar energy opportunities in Sokoto, Borno and Katsina, gas resources in Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa, and hydroelectric potential in Niger and Kebbi states.
The Vice President also proposed a voluntary national review framework to help states assess progress, share experiences and address challenges in electricity market development.
He emphasised that private-sector investment was essential to improving electricity infrastructure, while urging regulators to protect consumers against arbitrary billing and poor service.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission disclosed that it had issued regulatory transfer orders to 17 states to enable them to oversee electricity markets within their jurisdictions.
Shettima stressed that the success of the reforms would ultimately depend on whether Nigerians experienced more reliable electricity supply for homes, businesses and public institutions.
