Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Friday, signed the Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission Bill 2024 into law.
The governor performed the signing ceremony at Conference Room of the Governor’s Office, Ibadan.
He stated that the signing was to give the state opportunity to develop its own roadmap to sustainable electricity.
The governor stated that, with the decentralisation of electricity generation, transmission and distribution, it has become obvious that Nigerians can access dividends of democracy if federalism is practised as it should be and more powers are devolved to the states.
“As promised earlier in the week, we are signing the Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission Bill 2024 into law today. This law will enable Oyo State generate, transmit and distribute electricity within the state.
“Amendments of the constitution like these is what we mean when we advocate for fiscal federalism.
“In years to come as we work towards energy sufficiency, our people can hold state governments accountable on the issue of electricity supply,” the governor said.
Presenting the Bill earlier, Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Honourable Mohammed Fadeyi, said this is the first time the state would come up with an independent electricity project.
Present at the signing of the Bill were the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Bayo Lawal; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi and the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni (mni).
Present with Deputy Speaker at the event were the chairman, House Committee on Energy, Honourable Deji Oparinde and a member of the committee, Honourable Gabriel Babajide.
Also in attendance at the signing were the state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr Biodun Aikomo; Commissioner for Energy, Mr Temilolu Ashamu; chairman and co-chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr Saka Balogun and Elder Wole Oyelese, respectively.
