Niger APC Chieftain Vatsa Commends Governor Bago for Signing Power Sector Bill into Law
From Our Reporter
Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, the former Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, as well as a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Niger State, has praised the state governor, Rt. Hon. Umaru Mohammed Bago, for signing the Niger State Electricity Bill into law. He described this action as a significant development for the state.
The new legislation, known as “The Niger State Power Sector Law 2024,” was signed at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Minna last week and is expected to commence operations on December 19, 2024. This law aims to establish the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Niger State Electricity Company, and the Niger State Electricity Agency, among other related entities. It also addresses various aspects of electricity dealings within the state, including generation, transmission, trading, distribution, and retail supply systems. Additionally, it aims to enhance electricity access in underserved and unserved rural communities.
In an interview with newsmen in Minna, Vatsa emphasized that with the passage of the bill by the state house of assembly and its subsequent assent by the governor, it is now crucial for the state to withdraw from the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). He argued that this move would protect citizens from the inefficiencies of the distribution company.
Vatsa, who formerly served as the APC publicity secretary, shared his negative experiences with the services provided by AEDC. He criticized the company for its lack of efficiency and called it a “criminal agency” that exploits vulnerable Nigerians while the federal government remains passive.
He urged the state government to expedite the implementation of the electricity regulatory commission, believing that an independent power supply in the state would enhance productivity, bolster the economic well-being of the people, and create job opportunities for the youth.
Vatsa pointed out that the privatization of the power sector in Nigeria is one of the most misguided policies by any government since independence. “While Nigerians were told that the power sector has been privatized, the government has continued to budget billions for the sector, with little to show for these investments,” he stated.
“It is disheartening that under a government tasked with protecting its citizens, the Discos in this country are openly extorting the poor and helpless through dubious estimated billing, and no one is taking action. The government seems comfortable with this criminal behavior. I have been informed that AEDC claims it earns more from estimated billing than from prepaid meters, which has led to the exorbitant pricing of prepaid meters, making them unaffordable for many.”
This kind of exploitation does not occur in a society where the government genuinely safeguards its citizens. Vatsa noted, “Nigerians pay for transformers, poles, service wires, and meters, yet the government insists the power sector is privatized. People are paying for services not rendered, and the government sees nothing wrong with this. How can anyone be surprised when Nigeria is labeled one of the most corrupt countries?”
Currently serving as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives, Vatsa also commended the state house of assembly for the swift passage of the bill. He expressed hope that if implemented, it would liberate the citizens from the “economic slavery” imposed by AEDC. He added that those on estimated billing in Niger State often pay between N25,000 and N30,000 monthly, regardless of the size of their accommodation.
“With the establishment of the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Agency, this exploitation by AEDC, which is backed by the federal government, must end in the state. Niger State contributes about 70 percent of the country’s electricity requirements and should be able to generate power supply efficiently,” Vatsa concluded.
