Forum threatens legal action over proposed electricity law changes
The All Electricity Consumers Protection Forum has warned that it will take legal steps if the Senate proceeds with proposed changes to the Electricity Act 2023. Adeola Samuel, the forum’s National Coordinator, argues that the amendments would reverse the sector’s recent decentralisation and reduce states’ powers to regulate their own electricity markets. He insists that the current law, which allows states to set up their own electricity regulators, should remain unchanged. The forum claims the proposed amendments would undermine consumer protection and state autonomy.
TLDR
- The All Electricity Consumers Protection Forum opposes proposed amendments to the Electricity Act 2023, warning of possible court action against the Senate.
- Adeola Samuel says the amendments would restore regulatory powers to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), undermining states’ authority.
- The forum highlights that about 15 states have already established their own electricity markets under the current law.
- Samuel claims the amendments would weaken state regulators and allow electricity distribution companies to continue exploitative practices.
- The forum urges the Senate to abandon the proposed changes, insisting the existing legal framework sufficiently empowers states.
