Power Reforms on Track, Tinubu Earns Fresh Backing as States, Investors Urged to Step In

"The reforms would unlock fresh investments, expand electricity access and reduce the burden on the Federal Government by encouraging greater participation from states and the private sector." Williams.

.... "The President is taking bold steps that will transform the sector. The decentralization drive is the right way to go for Nigeria. Everyone must contribute to solving the country's electricity challenge."

.... "However, cautions Nigerians against expecting immediate results, noting that power projects are highly capital-intensive and require long implementation periods before their impact is fully realised.

The Chairman of the Forum of Power and Energy Commissioners in Nigeria and Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Hon. Eka Williams, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu's electricity sector reforms, describing the decentralization of Nigeria's power market as a bold move capable of transforming electricity supply across the country.

Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, Williams said the reforms would unlock fresh investments, expand electricity access and reduce the burden on the Federal Government by encouraging greater participation from states and the private sector.

He urged state governments, corporate organisations and private investors to invest in power infrastructure, stressing that electricity development should be a shared national responsibility rather than the sole responsibility of the Federal Government.

"The President is taking bold steps that will transform the sector. The decentralization drive is the right way to go for Nigeria. Everyone must contribute to solving the country's electricity challenge," he said.

Williams, however, cautioned Nigerians against expecting immediate results, noting that power projects are highly capital-intensive and require long implementation periods before their impact is fully realised.

He appealed for patience with the Tinubu administration, saying the ongoing reforms are aimed at delivering sustainable, long-term improvements in electricity supply.

The commissioner also advocated greater investment in renewable energy, urging states and private investors to develop off-grid electricity projects powered by solar, wind and biomass to improve access, particularly in underserved communities.

He said the Electricity Act 2023 provides the legal framework for states to play more active roles in electricity generation and distribution, while commending the Minister of Power for inaugurating a nine-member committee to address challenges associated with electricity market decentralization.

Williams further praised state governments already investing in power projects and called on Africa's richest businessman, Aliko Dangote, to invest in Nigeria's electricity sector to help bridge the nation's energy deficit.

According to him, achieving universal electricity access will require sustained collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, the private sector and citizens.