The Nigerian Senate has advanced efforts to amend the Electricity Act, 2023, with a sweeping bill aimed at criminalising the vandalism of critical electricity infrastructure, resolving legal ambiguities, and addressing the growing debt crisis plaguing Nigeria’s power sector.
The Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, sponsored by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South) and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, passed second reading on the Senate floor. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Power for further review and is expected to return to plenary within six weeks.
Key Objectives of the Amendment Bill:
- Criminalisation of Electricity Infrastructure Vandalism: In response to a surge in sabotage cases, the bill proposes severe punitive measures—including potential capital punishment—to deter vandalism.
- Clarification of Regulatory Roles: The bill seeks to resolve transitional challenges in transferring intra-state electricity regulatory authority from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to state governments, especially regarding the national grid system.
- Host Community Framework: Proposes clear guidelines for community engagement by electricity licensees across the value chain.
- Labour Rights and Industrial Relations: Aims to strike a balance between workers’ rights and essential service obligations.
- Addressing Sectoral Debt Crisis: Tackles the trillions of naira owed to GENCOs, DISCOs, and transmission companies, threatening system stability.
Senate Reactions & Commentary:
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the bill’s intent, stating:
“Without electricity, there can be no industrial growth. We’re here not for money, but to make sacrifices for the future generation.”
Senator Abaribe, in his lead debate, warned: “The power sector is hanging on a cliff. With crippling debt, operational constraints, and rising vandalism, this amendment is part of a larger rescue mission.”
Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North) insisted: “Vandalism must attract serious penalties. Some vandals are repeat offenders due to weak enforcement.”
Senator Lola Ashiru (APC, Kwara South) emphasized the urgency:
“We must address trillions in sector debt and ensure smooth regulatory transition.”
Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi Central) suggested extreme deterrents:
“We may need capital punishment to protect national electricity assets.”
Senator Olamilekan Adeola (APC, Ogun West) highlighted misuse of government funds and contractor fraud, while noting:
“This amendment could solve over 50% of Nigeria’s power sector challenges.”
Senator Garba Maidoki (APC, Kebbi South) voiced frustration:
“DISCOs ignore Senate directives. Even I struggle to pay electricity bills—tariff restructuring is overdue.”
Senator Sahabi Yaú (PDP, Zamfara North) criticised private operators:
“Communities buy transformers, yet DISCOs charge them for access. That’s unjust. Subsidies exist worldwide—Nigeria mustn’t fully withdraw them.”
