Nigeria’s House of Representatives has advanced a bill seeking to establish the National Authority for Renewable Energy, in a move aimed at strengthening the regulation, development and expansion of renewable electricity across the country.
The proposed authority is expected to coordinate renewable energy development, promote investment and improve access to electricity, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, sponsored by Afam Ogene, Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, passes second reading during plenary on Thursday.
The bill proposes transferring certain renewable energy responsibilities currently handled by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Rural Electrification Agency and the Rural Electrification Fund to the new authority.
Leading the debate, Ogene argues that a dedicated institution would address existing gaps in the electricity sector and provide a more coordinated approach to renewable energy development.
He identifies specialised regulation, rural electrification, investment promotion, job creation, energy diversification, consumer protection and sustainable institutional funding among the key objectives of the proposed authority.
The legislation also seeks to promote mini-grid and off-grid electricity systems to extend power supply to remote communities and areas that remain underserved by the national electricity network.
In addition, the bill proposes guidelines covering tariffs, licensing, operational standards, compliance monitoring and dispute resolution within the renewable energy sector.
However, the proposal faces opposition from some lawmakers who question the need to establish another regulatory institution when existing agencies already perform electricity-related functions.
Victor Nwokolo, Chairman of the House Committee on Power, opposes the proposal, warning that transferring renewable energy responsibilities away from NERC could complicate regulatory coordination and increase governance costs.
Nwokolo also points to the Electricity Act of 2023, which provides a framework for state and local participation in electricity generation, distribution and marketing.
Similarly, Ahmadu Jaha, an APC lawmaker representing Borno State, raises concerns about possible duplication of responsibilities, arguing that the proposed authority could overlap with existing institutions.
Supporters of the bill, however, maintain that a specialised authority could strengthen oversight, attract private investment and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure.
The proposed legislation comes amid continuing efforts to expand electricity access and diversify Nigeria’s energy sources. Solar power, mini-grids and other off-grid solutions are increasingly important options for communities and businesses facing unreliable or limited grid supply.
If effectively implemented, a dedicated renewable energy authority could help coordinate projects and support investment in areas where conventional electricity infrastructure remains limited.
However, questions about institutional overlap, funding and the division of responsibilities between existing agencies remain central to the debate.
Following the debate, the bill passes second reading and is referred for further legislative consideration.
It must still complete the remaining stages of the legislative process and receive presidential assent before it can become law.
The outcome will determine whether Nigeria adopts a new institutional framework for renewable energy regulation or continues to rely on the existing agencies and arrangements.
For now, the proposal marks another step in the legislative debate over how best to expand renewable electricity, attract investment and improve power access across Nigeria.
