The Kwara State House of Assembly has taken the first reading of the Kwara State Electric Power Sector Bill, 2025, sponsored by Hon. Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu — the youngest serving lawmaker in Nigeria.
The bill has passed its first legislative hurdle, setting the stage for a comprehensive overhaul of outdated electricity regulations. The proposed legislation aims to repeal the Electricity Board Laws of 1992 and 2006, replacing them with a more robust and modern legal framework tailored to today’s energy demands.
Hon. Shittu, who represents Owode/Onire Constituency, described the bill as a bold move toward resolving the state’s persistent power challenges. She noted that unreliable electricity has hindered socioeconomic development for too long and that decentralizing power supply is now a critical necessity.
“This bill is about creating an enabling environment for reliable power and empowering our communities through decentralized electricity networks,” she stated passionately on the floor of the House.
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At just 27 years old, Hon. Shittu continues to defy expectations and drive legislative innovation. She emphasized that the bill aligns with recent constitutional amendments which grant Nigerian states the authority to regulate electricity within their domains—ushering in a new era of subnational energy reform.
Lawmakers across party lines commended the initiative, hailing it as forward-thinking and pivotal for attracting private sector investment. The bill is expected to pave the way for independent power projects, increase energy access in underserved areas, and stimulate local economies through improved infrastructure.
With the first reading completed, the bill will now proceed to the second reading stage, where lawmakers will closely examine its objectives, benefits, and broader implications for energy development in Kwara State.
Crediblenewsng.com
