Akwa Ibom Assembly Passes Electricity Bill into Law

By Ifiok Itiaba - Uyo

 

Speaker Udeme Otong presiding over Tuesday's plenary

 

A bill to make provision for generation, transmission, distribution and sales of electricity within Akwa Ibom State has been passed into law by State House of Assembly.

The bill which was passed during Tuesday's plenary will enable efficiency in the power sector.

Presenting his report before the passage of the bill, Chairman House Committee on Rural Development and Public Utilities, Rt. Hon Nana Udo observed that the bill will create jobs and improve the living conditions of residents.

 

Rt. Hon Nana Udo presenting his report during Tuesday's plenary

"Stimulate policies measures that will attract investments across the State Electricity Value Chain to re-energize economic growth, drive job creation and improve the living conditions of residents of Akwa Ibom State"

Udo said the bill will not only provide a clear legal framework for the state electricity policy, but will create avenue for participation both public and private sectors in the development of renewable energy.

"Provide a clear legal and institutional framework for the formulation and adoption of a State Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan.

"Create a avenue for the participation of both public and private sectors in the development of renewable energy.

"Promote the development of a competitive Electricity Market".

Continuing, Hon Udo said the objectives of the bill include provision of improved access to electricity in the unserved and underserved areas of the state through the use of conventional and renewable energy solutions.

He noted that it will provide frameworks for security of electricity infrastructure and prescribe effective punitive measures against electricity theft and other offences peculiar to the electricity supply industry.

He stressed further that the bill will strengthen the relationship between the federal and State electricity markets.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the state Assembly, Rt. Hon Udeme Otong who presided over the sitting directed the Clerk, Mrs Nsikakabasi Orok to communicate the development to the Governor.