Power Commissioners’ Chairman Backs Tinubu’s Electricity Reforms, Seeks Greater State, Private Sector Investment

Chairman of the Forum of Power and Energy Commissioners in Nigeria and Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Hon. Eka Williams, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing reforms in the electricity sector, describing the decentralisation of Nigeria’s electricity market as a bold strategy capable of transforming power supply across the country.

Williams made the remarks on Thursday during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, where he urged state governments, private investors and communities to take advantage of the opportunities created by the Electricity Act 2023 to expand electricity access.

He said the President’s decision to decentralise the electricity market would unlock investments, encourage innovation and improve electricity supply, particularly in underserved communities.

“The President is taking bold steps that will transform the sector. This decentralisation drive is the right way to go for Nigeria. The challenge of electricity should not be left to the Federal Government alone. Private individuals, corporate organisations and state governments must collaborate by investing in 100kV, 500kV and other capacities in communities around them. The drive to provide power must be a concern for everyone,” he said.

The Forum chairman noted that electricity infrastructure requires huge capital investment and long implementation periods, explaining that the impact of the current reforms may not be immediately visible.

He, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the Tinubu administration, stressing that the ongoing reforms are aimed at delivering sustainable and long-term improvements in electricity generation, transmission and distribution.

Williams also advocated a diversified energy mix, urging state governments and private investors to begin with small-scale power projects capable of supplying a few megawatts to local communities before expanding capacity.

According to him, decentralised and off-grid electricity solutions powered by renewable energy sources such as solar, biomass and wind have the potential to significantly improve electricity access, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

He said the Electricity Act 2023 provides the legal framework for states to participate more actively in electricity generation, transmission and distribution, describing it as a major milestone in Nigeria’s power sector reform.

Williams also commended the Minister of Power for inaugurating a nine-member committee to address challenges associated with electricity market decentralisation and develop practical recommendations for strengthening the sector.

He praised state governments already investing in electricity infrastructure and called on Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, to extend his investments into the power sector to help bridge Nigeria’s electricity deficit.

Williams expressed optimism that stronger collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, private investors and local communities would accelerate progress toward achieving universal electricity access and sustainable economic development.