A coalition of civil society organisations and energy experts is calling on Nigerian lawmakers to accelerate the implementation of robust legal and regulatory reforms to attract investment in the country’s renewable energy sector.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement forum on the draft Cross River State Electricity Bill 2025 held in Abuja, the Country Manager of Natural Justice, Michael Keaniani, stressed that a clearly defined legal environment and consumer-focused policies are essential for drawing the attention of private investors to Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.
“We want to see a legal and regulatory framework that incentivises investment in the energy sector, particularly in renewables,” Keaniani stated. “Investors seek certainty in the law. If the legal environment is conducive, they will come.”
Keaniani commended the forward-thinking provisions in the draft bill and described it as a promising step toward decentralising electricity generation and distribution in Nigeria. However, he warned that several provisions in the bill still require careful legal refinement to ensure long-term sustainability and community benefit.
Natural Justice, in collaboration with other stakeholders, reviewed the 100-page draft bill currently under consideration by the Cross River State House of Assembly’s Committee on Power. The organisation submitted a set of recommendations, reflecting the views of rural communities, technical experts, and consumer rights advocates.
“Too often, electricity consumers are forced to pay out-of-pocket for basic infrastructure like transformers and wiring. This bill must guarantee consumer protection and ensure equitable access to energy, especially for rural areas,” Keaniani said.
He also pointed out that the current legal structure lacks clarity on inter-state electricity trading—a concern that could hinder the effective decentralisation of electricity management, now allowed under Nigeria’s amended Constitution. Although the draft bill attempts to address this issue, experts warn that broader constitutional and regulatory clarity is still needed at the national level.
One of the most pressing issues raised by the stakeholders was the need for rural electrification to be placed at the core of state energy policies. According to Keaniani, inclusive energy access remains a critical driver of economic empowerment, especially for underserved communities.
“Energy justice must be central to legislative reforms. Without dedicated rural electrification strategies, millions of Nigerians will continue to live in energy poverty,” he added.
In response, the Chairman of the Cross River State House Committee on Power and Electricity, Francis Obang, reassured stakeholders that the Assembly remains committed to strengthening the state’s electricity sector.
“This draft bill is a vital milestone in our journey toward energy independence and stability. It contains provisions to curb vandalism and ensure communities are actively involved in protecting power infrastructure,” Obang noted.
He acknowledged the technical inputs from Natural Justice and other contributors and pledged that the Assembly would continue its consultative approach to finalising the legislation.
“This is not just a legal document; it’s a roadmap for our energy future. The Assembly is committed to ensuring the bill reflects the needs and aspirations of the people,” he said.
The draft Cross River State Electricity Bill 2025 comes amid a wider shift in Nigeria’s energy governance, following constitutional amendments that allow states to regulate electricity within their jurisdictions. This decentralisation is expected to spur innovation, competition, and improved service delivery, especially as more states begin to enact their own electricity laws.
Stakeholders believe that with the right policy instruments, Nigeria’s renewable energy sector could unlock billions of dollars in investment while reducing dependency on fossil fuels and extending electricity access to millions.