Group urges Delta Govt to Implement "Electricity Amendment law" to generate light for residents

A group under the aegies of Initiative For Social Rights Concerns And Advancement (ISRCA) A.K.A “No Justice, No Peace” today urged the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori led Delta State Government to implement the "Electricity Amendment Bill" that was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2024 to generate light for the people of Delta State. The group said with the enacted law, States are now in Control over their electricity distribution.

ISRCA National Coordinator, Comrade (Amb) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen made the call in a statement sent to Our Correspondent in Warri. 

The group said the State Government should challenge the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC's nonchalant attitude and lack of diligence in ensuring reliable power supply which can further improve their operations and services provided to residents in the State. 

"The Delta State Government's focus should extend beyond the monthly remittances from BEDC to addressing the hardships faced by Deltans due to exorbitant billing practices and power outages in the area."

According to the group, "In 2024, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu enacted the Electricity Amendment Bill into law, thereby empowering states to oversee power generation, transmission, and distribution within their territories. 

"This legislation also enables states to authorize private investors to operate mini-grids and power plants through licensing. 

"Review the details to understand the implications of this development for Nigeria's power sector."

The group noted that, "Given that Nigerians are not holding their state governors accountable despite their significant role in enhancing our lives, which encompasses over 50 percent of how our lives could improve, the populace tends to redirect their frustrations towards the federal government. 

"Consequently, under the current leadership, the federal government is compelling us to acknowledge this reality. 

"In a truly federal system, matters such as electricity, education, and other similar concerns should be the preserve of state governments, as they are among the primary responsibilities of state governments.

"The new legal framework empowers states and companies to generate and distribute electricity, a development recently adopted by Oyo State. 

"It would be prudent for our state to explore this option in the near future. 

While criticisms of BEDC are widespread, attributing blame to the company may soon become untenable."