By Felix Kuyinu
The Lagos State House of Assembly has held a briefing on a procurement of an Electricity Bill in enabling an improved power supply to residents in the state.
On Wednesday at the Assembly Complex, Ikeja, the lawmakers in a plenary said that the state government is keen on providing regular, uninterrupted power supply in the state to ensure sustainable developments.
The Speaker, Honourable Mudashiru Obasa, held that the House members are deliberating on issues around the passing of the bill, thus, enabling the enactment.
The Deputy Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, who took forth in the absence of the Speaker noted that the proposed bill would establish a mechanism for electricity planning that promotes off-grid solutions for households and micro, small and medium-scale enterprises.
“This bill is most timely because electrification is one of the most important aspects of a viable economy and improvement of the wellbeing of the people,” Obasa said.
“Being a responsible Government, the Lagos State government has decided to create an agency, market and fund with the responsibility of ensuring adequate access of electricity with professional standards and modern technology.
“The bill is pursuant to our resolve to improve the electricity situation in the State,” he concluded.
The members recommended nothing less than 1000 Megawatts to be able to achieve the feat. They forecasted that the implementation of the bill will aid the realization of commercial and technical regulatory framework for the state’s electricity.
House Chairman Committee on Energy, Honourable Sabur Oluwa, said that the establishment of two agencies is pivotal in the realization of the project. He said, “The Lagos State Electrification Agency and Lagos State Electrification Fund are two important provisions in the bill that would help in management of public works and infrastructure to ensure reliable electricity for residents of Lagos.
“The bill outlines the creation of the Lagos State Electrification Agency to manage public electricity works and infrastructure as well as the Lagos State Electrification Fund.
“These institutions will play huge roles in the delivery of reliable electricity to the unserved and underserved areas of our State
“Through these initiatives, we aim to bridge the gap in electricity supply and enhance the quality of life for all Lagosians. We understand that reliable electricity is not a luxury but a necessity,” Oluwa said.
Stakeholders at the plenary urged the Assembly to ensure the bill mandated the state government to appoint technocrats with 15 years of experience to head the proposed agency.
