Electricity Act: Delay In Implementation Causing Hardship In Osun, NGO Writes Adeleke
A nongovernmental and civic-tech initiative, Urban Alert has called on Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to see to the domestication and implementation of the Electricity Act 2023 in the state.
Urban Alert in a letter dated April 10, 2025 and addressed to Governor Adeleke by its Communications Associate, Titilade Alayande, said it is almost a year that the State Executive Council deliberated on the draft of the Osun State Electricity Market System Bill, but the House of Assembly has neither passed it nor assented by the Governor.
The organisation noted that the delay in the implementation of the bill has continued to encourage corruption and pain for the Osun people.
A copy of the letter obtained by OSUN DEFENDER reads, “On behalf of the people of Osun State, we respectfully urge Your Excellency to take intentional and swift action towards domesticating the Electricity Act 2023 and utilizing the decentralisation clause to establish a State Electricity Market and Regulatory Commission.
“Your Excellency, the current centralized electricity regulatory system under the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has unfortunately proven inadequate in addressing the electricity needs of Osun citizens.
“The weak enforcement of standards, arbitrary service practices, and poor consumer protection mechanisms have left the Osun people in a cycle of darkness, economic hardship, and diminished productivity.
“The inability to hold service providers accountable at the grassroots level continues to cripple businesses and deepen frustration across households.
“The Electricity Act 2023 offers a historic opportunity for states like Osun to take charge of their power destiny by creating a state-controlled electricity market, backed by a state-specific regulatory body.
“This reform empowers Your Excellency to lead Osun State into a new era of energy independence, economic revival, and social equity.
It is good to note that the State Executive Council meeting deliberated on the draft of the Osun State Electricity Market System Bill on the 15th of May 2024.
“However, almost one year later, the Osun State House of Assembly has neither passed the bill nor assented by Your Excellency.
“The high-handedness of distribution companies and weak enforcement of the federal laws guiding electricity consumer rights have continued to encourage corruption and pain for the Osun people.
“As you may be aware, the provisions in the Electricity Act 2023 empowered states to address this issue and more.
There is a need for Your Excellency to act swiftly to tackle this problem within the state.”
Urban Alert, however, recommends the following to address the situation:
“Immediate Liaison with the State House of Assembly:
We urge Your Excellency to work closely with lawmakers to expedite the passage of the Osun State Electricity Market Bill. We believe that a legal framework is the first step to unlocking our regulatory independence and attracting local and foreign investors into the power sector.
“Establishment of the Osun State Electricity Regulatory Commission (OSERC):
This body will be responsible for licensing, tariff setting, consumer protection, enforcement of service standards, and technical oversight of all electricity operators within the state. Citizens deserve a watchdog that prioritizes their welfare and holds providers accountable. To achieve this, capable hands need to be given the power to oversee this commission.”
Yusuf Oketola is a trained journalist with over five years of experience in the media industry. He has worked for both print and online medium. He is a thorough-bred professional with an eye of hindsight on issues bothering on social justice, purposeful leadership, and a society where the leaders charge and work for the prosperity of the people.
