By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Clean Energy Legal Working Group has urged the National Assembly to delete and redraft provisions of the proposed Electricity Act Amendment Bill 2026 that it says could undermine states’ constitutional powers over electricity.
The group said the central concern is the potential expansion of federal control over areas of electricity generation, distribution and transmission that states are empowered to regulate within their jurisdictions.
Its National Coordinator, Michael Karikpo, made the call at a news briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.
Karikpo said the group specifically recommended the deletion of Sections 2(4) and 2D and the redrafting of Section 2(3), which it said gives the Federal Government excessive powers over state electricity markets.
He also urged lawmakers to review Sections 228A-C, 230A, 230B, 230C, 232 and 34, citing concerns about possible conflicts with the constitutional powers granted to states.
Karikpo said the amendment should strengthen, rather than weaken, the decentralisation framework established by the Electricity Act 2023.
He said clearer boundaries between federal and state regulatory responsibilities would provide greater certainty for investors and encourage investment, particularly in renewable energy.
The group also proposed a National Electricity Development Council comprising representatives of the Federal Ministry of Power, NERC, NISO, state energy ministries and state electricity regulatory agencies.
Karikpo said representatives of consumers and local communities should also be included to improve coordination on electricity policy, regional infrastructure and cross-border power arrangements.
He urged the National Assembly to establish a legal framework for inter-state and regional electricity infrastructure, power wheeling and power pools to support investment and improve efficiency.
On consumer protection, the group called for stronger metering requirements and reforms to the Service-Based Tariff system to improve affordability and access.
It proposed a lifeline tariff to provide free or subsidised electricity to vulnerable households, alongside stronger regulatory oversight and consumer protection.
Karikpo also called for changes to the Host Communities provisions to strengthen communities’ participation rights, grievance mechanisms and other lawful avenues for engagement.
He said the amendment should promote clean energy, improve electricity security and expand access to affordable power across Nigeria.
According to him, clear and predictable legal and regulatory frameworks are essential to attracting investment and addressing Nigeria’s persistent electricity supply challenges.
