News Investigators/ Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, on Friday inaugurated the pioneer members of the Nasarawa State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NASERC).
Mr Sule, while inaugurating the members in Lafia, charged them to urgently address the worsening power supply in Lafia and other parts of the state.
The governor said that the commission was coming on board at a challenging time when residents of the state capital and other communities were grappling with epileptic electricity supply.
He noted that despite the presence of the 330KV Akurba Power Substation commissioned in 2022, power supply had remained a major challenge due to distribution constraints.
“Power supply has continued to remain a major challenge in Lafia and most parts of the state due to distribution challenges.
“Just yesterday, I approved, though not our responsibility, the release of funds for the maintenance of the mini-substation supplying power in Lafia,” he said.
The governor explained that the establishment of the commission was in line with the Electricity Act 2023, which empowers states to generate, transmit and regulate electricity within their jurisdictions.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at decentralising the power sector, improving efficiency and attracting investors to boost the industrialisation of the state.
“We expect nothing less than effectiveness and efficiency for the benefit of the good people of Nasarawa State,” he said.
Mr Sule said that his administration was determined to harness the opportunities provided by the Electricity Act to tackle the state’s electricity challenges.
“Our desire is to ensure that we have full authority to generate, transmit and distribute electricity to the satisfaction of our citizens, especially at a challenging period such as this.
“The commission is cardinal to our development objectives and its dedication will provide the platform through which our policies and programmes in the power sector can be realised,” he added.
The governor reiterated that the state’s industrialisation and economic diversification drive would be difficult to achieve without reliable electricity supply.
“This administration is committed to the full industrialisation of Nasarawa State in order to diversify the economy, create jobs and alleviate poverty.
“Undoubtedly, this vision cannot be realised without steady power supply to boost investors’ confidence,” he said.
Mr Sule also said the commission would be responsible for licensing and regulating mini-grids and related electricity undertakings within the state.
In his remarks, Moses Arigu, Commissioner in charge of Economic Regulations and Consumers Affairs, assured the governor that the commission would justify the confidence reposed in it.
Mr Arigu acknowledged that stable electricity supply was critical to attracting investors and pledged that the commission would work towards improving power supply across the state.
Members sworn in included Abubakar Bello , Chairman, Engr. Muhammad Dauda , Technical Regulation, Dr Moses Arigu , Economic Regulation and Consumer Affairs, Engr. Ahmed Al-Mustapha Usman, Rural Electrification.
Other were Ubam Adego, Finance and Administration, and Barr. Mohammed Aboki , Legal and Licensing.
NAN
