Shettima urges states to harness local resources for electricity supply

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged state governments to take control of electricity generation, distribution and regulation within their jurisdictions, calling on them to reduce dependence on the Federal Government to address local power challenges.

Shettima said the Electricity Act 2023 had created an opportunity for states to develop independent electricity markets, attract private investment and improve power supply to businesses, households and public institutions.

He spoke on Wednesday at the National Stakeholders’ Workshop on the Electricity Act 2023 at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja. He was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia.

According to the vice-president, Nigeria’s ambition to build a competitive industrial economy would remain constrained unless electricity reforms translated into reliable power supply across the country.

He said the law empowered states to establish and regulate intrastate electricity markets within the constitutional and statutory framework.

“Electricity supply must become a shared responsibility, pursued with innovation and accountability across the federation. Our states must shed the habit of waiting for Abuja to provide every answer,” he said.

Shettima identified solar energy potential in Sokoto, Borno and Katsina states, gas resources in Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa, and hydroelectric opportunities in Niger and Kebbi as resources states could harness to expand electricity access.

He urged state governments to convert these resources into investments capable of supporting agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare and education.