The Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, today signed into law the Nasarawa State Electricity Law 2024. This law allows the state to generate, distribute, and regulate electricity in the state. Indeed, the signing of this law today marks a turning point in Nasarawa with regard to the issue of electricity. Since the creation of the state in 1996, the issue of electricity has become worrying to both the government and the citizenry to an extent that the confidence that was supposed to exist was no longer there. The privatisation of the electricity in Nigeria during President Goodluck Jonathan has further compounded the situation to a pitiful state with no solution in sight. The signing of this law by Engr. Abdullahi Sule is therefore a relief. State-owned electricity generation and distribution offer significant advantages, as it will allow the government to prioritise providing electricity to all citizens, including underserved and rural areas, by ensuring that everyone has access to this essential service.We believe that state-owned electricity can also provide reliable and stable electricity, as they are less driven by profit motives with less pressure of immediate returns. Closely related to this, state ownership of electricity can help keep electricity prices more stable and affordable, as the focus is on service rather than profit maximization. In addition, state-owned electricity can create jobs in local communities, contributing to economic development and stability in the state.
In view of all these, we therefore salute the courage of the state government under the leadership of Engr. Abdullahi Sule for coming up with the bill and the commitment of the State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau for passing the bill. It is our hope that signing of this bill will greatly provide solutions our collective desire for affordable and reliable electricity in Nasarawa state.