Nasarawa State Moves to Harness Electricity Power, Boost Revenue

Nasarawa State House of Assembly has taken a significant step towards empowering the state to generate, transmit and distribute electricity, adopting a report on a bill that seeks to grant the state authority over its electricity management. This development comes on the heels of amendments to the 1999 Constitution, which devolves power to states to manage their electricity generation, transmission and distribution.

The bill, slated for deliberation on October 23, 2024, aims to repeal the Nasarawa State Electricity Power Agency, paving the way for the state to assume control over its electricity sector. The House Committee on Works and Transport, chaired by Suleiman Yakubu Azara, presented a comprehensive report outlining nine key recommendations to empower the state in electricity generation.

Key Benefits of the Bill

Enhanced Revenue Base: Passing the bill is expected to significantly boost the state’s revenue.
Improved Electricity Supply: Utilization of local resources like Doma Dam and Farin Ruwa Waterfalls could provide an added advantage in improving electricity supply.
Increased Autonomy: The state will have greater control over its electricity sector, enabling it to make decisions tailored to its specific needs.

The Constitutional Amendments have been hailed as a decentralization of the Nigerian power sector, paving the way for state-driven investments and fostering competition. With this bill, Nasarawa State is poised to capitalize on these reforms, driving economic growth and development through sustainable electricity management.