By Emmanuel Kwada
A significant stride towards improving the electricity sector in Adamawa State was made yesterday as a bill aimed at establishing the Adamawa State Electricity Commission passed its second reading in the State House of Assembly. This landmark bill is designed to facilitate the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity across the state.
The bill, sponsored by Hon. Bulus Kantomon Naphthali, the representative for Shelleng constituency, was presented during Tuesday’s plenary, which was presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley.
In his address to the assembly, Hon. Kantomon highlighted the myriad benefits the bill could bring, asserting that it would not only enhance socio-economic growth and attract investors but also significantly promote job creation and foster a competitive electricity market within the state.
The passage of this bill will serve as a catalyst for developing policy and regulatory frameworks aimed at scaling up the efficiency of power generation, transmission, and distribution in Adamawa
“The passage of this bill will serve as a catalyst for developing policy and regulatory frameworks aimed at scaling up the efficiency of power generation, transmission, and distribution in Adamawa,” said Hon. Kantomon. He emphasized that improving electricity access is vital for the overall well-being of the populace and would also lead to increased revenue generation for the state.
A key component of the bill is its focus on improving electricity access in rural, underserved, and pre-urban areas through both conventional and renewable energy sources. Hon. Kantomon remarked that the legislation seeks to boost indigenous capacity in renewable energy technologies, thereby promoting local content development.
The proposed commission would implement measures for the protection of electricity infrastructure and establish punitive actions against electricity theft and related offenses
Additionally, the proposed commission would implement measures for the protection of electricity infrastructure and establish punitive actions against electricity theft and related offenses. It would detail the processes concerning the appointment, tenure, and removal of commission members.
Other lawmakers noted the merits of the bill, stressing that it will greatly improve the fortunes of the state while also providing employment opportunities for the teeming youths.
Speaking while presiding over the Tuesdays session, the Speaker of the 8th Assembly, Rt Hon Bathiya Wesley noted that with improved electricity, businesses will definitely thrive and improve the economy.
He commended the Sponsor and Co-Sponsors of the bill for diligence before directing for the second reading of the bill.
He thereafter reffered the bill to house committee on works, energy, land and survey to scrutinize and report to the house within two weeks.
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