PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: The Rivers State House of Assembly, through its Committee on Power, held a public hearing on Wednesday to deliberate on the Rivers State Electricity Market Bill, 2024. The bill aims to repeal the existing Rivers State Electricity and Gas Board Law CAP 50, Laws of Rivers State 1999, and introduce new legislation to enhance electricity supply, generation, transmission, and distribution within the state. Additionally, it seeks to establish the Rivers State Electricity Commission to enforce consumers’ rights and obligations.
In a statement released by Martin Wachukwu, Special Assistant on Media to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the bill was described as pivotal in providing a legal framework that would support investments in the power sector, reflecting the shift of power to the Concurrent Legislative List.
During the hearing, Honourable Martin Chike Amaewhule, who declared the session open, emphasized the importance of public participation in the legislative process. He noted that the bill is designed to improve power supply, fostering a conducive environment for businesses and encouraging investments in the state’s electricity sector.
Amaewhule reiterated the commitment of the Tenth Rivers State House of Assembly to pass laws that will significantly impact the lives of the state’s residents.
Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Hon. Frankline Nwabochi, pointed out that the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity had previously been under the exclusive purview of the Federal Government, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution. He highlighted that this bill, sponsored by Speaker Amaewhule, aligns with the recent constitutional amendments that empower states to legislate on electricity.
Speaking on behalf of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Allwell Ihunda, Chairman of ALGON, praised the bill as being people-centered. He assured the Assembly of ALGON’s readiness to collaborate to ensure that the law, once enacted, delivers tangible benefits to communities across Rivers State.
