From Joseph Asegba, Yola
In a bid to address the ongoing power challenges and boost electricity generation in Adamawa State, the State House of Assembly has introduced a bill to establish an electricity commission. The bill, which seeks to enhance the state’s electricity sector, recently passed its second reading.
The proposed Adamawa State Electricity Commission is designed to oversee the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity across the state. It was sponsored by Hon. Bulus Kantomon Naphthali, representing the Shelleng constituency, and presented at a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley.
Addressing the Assembly, Hon. Kantomon emphasized the numerous benefits the bill would bring. He noted that it would not only stimulate socio-economic growth and attract investors but also significantly create job opportunities and promote a competitive electricity market within the state.
“The passage of this bill will serve as a catalyst for developing policies and regulatory frameworks that will improve the efficiency of power generation, transmission, and distribution in Adamawa,” Kantomon said.
The lawmaker further reiterated that improving electricity access is crucial for the well-being of the population and would lead to increased revenue generation for the state.
A key component of the bill focuses on enhancing electricity access in rural, underserved, and peri-urban areas through both conventional and renewable energy sources. Kantomon also mentioned that the legislation aims to boost indigenous capacity in renewable energy technologies, thus promoting local content development.
The proposed commission would implement measures to protect electricity infrastructure and establish penalties for electricity theft and related offenses. It would also outline the processes for appointing, removing, and determining the tenure of commission members.
Many lawmakers who supported the bill highlighted its potential to significantly improve the state’s economic prospects while providing employment opportunities for the youth.
While presiding over the session, Speaker Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley remarked that improved electricity would foster business growth and boost the economy. He commended the sponsor and co-sponsors for their efforts and directed that the bill be referred to the House Committee on Works, Energy, Land, and Survey for further scrutiny. The committee was instructed to report back to the House within two weeks.