Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said that lawmakers are not in the Senate to enrich themselves, but to serve and make sacrifices for future generations of Nigerians.
He made the statement during Tuesday’s plenary while addressing his colleagues during the debate on the general principles of a bill seeking to amend the Electricity Act, 2023.
The proposed legislation, titled Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to address emerging issues in Nigeria’s power sector and improve coordination between national and sub-national governments.
Akpabio stressed the urgent need to reform the electricity sector, warning that industrial development will remain a dream without stable and reliable power.
“People think we are here in the Senate to make money, not knowing that we are here to sacrifice for future generations,” Akpabio said, addressing public perceptions about lawmakers.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, seeks to resolve challenges that have surfaced since the implementation of the original Electricity Act in 2023.
Speaking on the floor of the Senate, Abaribe explained that the new amendment would help improve policy and regulatory coordination, resolve legal inconsistencies between the federal and state levels, and strengthen the financial structure of the sector, which is currently facing a severe debt crisis.
He further explained that the bill also proposes to criminalize the vandalism of critical electricity infrastructure, a growing concern in light of recurring sabotage.
”Criminalise critical electricity infrastructure vandalism in the face of the rising wave of recurrent sabotage by vandals; foster industrial relations in the sector by balancing labour rights in the context of essential services as recognized by domestic and International best labour practices and Instruments,” Abaribe said.
“Clarify ongoing transitional provisions for the transfer of intrastate electricity matters from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to State Governments especially matters having bearing on the operation of the national grid system and other overlapping issue.”
In addition, the bill is expected to define a comprehensive framework for engaging host communities, particularly those affected by power installations, and address the implementation of the Power Consumer Assistance Fund, which will help subsidize electricity for essential services and low-income users.
The proposed amendment scaled second reading and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Power for further legislative input.
The committee is expected to report back within six weeks.
