By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

Nigeria’s youngest lawmaker, and member Kwara state House of Assembly representing
Owode/Onire constituency,
Hon. Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu, has successfully sponsored and steered the Kwara State Electric Power Sector Bill, 2025, which went through its first and second readings on Wednesday.

The legislation, now set for its third reading, seeks to repeal the outdated Electricity Board Laws of 1992 and 2006, replacing them with a modern, people-centred framework that empowers Kwara to take charge of its own electricity future.

The Bill, according to the lawmaker, domesticates the Electricity Act, 2023, which decentralised Nigeria’s energy sector and granted states the authority to establish their own electricity markets.

Speaking on the significance of the Bill, Hon. Shittu emphasised that energy reform is not a luxury, but a necessity:

“Millions of our people, especially in rural communities, are still in darkness. This Bill is designed to open Kwara to innovative energy solutions, attract private investment, and create opportunities for our people. It is not just about electricity, it is about jobs, health, education, and improving the quality of life.”she said

Shittu added that:”the Bill directly responds to Kwara’s chronic power shortages and the limitations of the national grid. It positions the state to embrace Independent Power Projects (IPPs), mini-grids, and renewable energy solutions, while creating an enabling environment for private sector participation.”

Meanwhile,Stakeholders have hailed the private member’s Bill as a bold and progressive step, especially at a time when Nigeria’s electricity crisis continues to stall industrial growth and social development.

By prioritizing underserved areas, the legislation ensures that communities beyond the reach of the national grid will benefit from localized energy solutions.

Former GM Kwara State Rural Electricity Board, Engr Abdullah Yassar, described the Bill as,” a commendable law in its entirety as it would afford residents of state access to quality electricity supply that will not only guarantee good living but also boost the economy of the state in general. This is another legacy of His Excellency Governor, Abdulrahman Administration.”

Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Kola AbdulAzeez AbdulGaniy,in his reaction said that the proposed passing of Kwara state Electric power Bill 2025 into law is a welcome development in the state.

He stressed that,the bill will to some extent provide a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the power sector in the state and at the same time provide holistic policy plan that recognizes all sources for the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in the state.

On the IBEDC part, Regional head, Kwara Region, Engr Oluwatoyin Akinsoye solicited the cooperation of the Kwara State Government through the House Committee on Energy to collaborate with the company (IBEDC) in the pursuit of seeking to improve electricity distribution and supply within Kwara State.

A community member from
her constituency in Asa local government, Sulyman Jamiu
in his reaction commended the Kwara State House of Assembly for initiating the Electricity Power Sector Bill, 2025 and for giving citizens the opportunity to make input through this public hearing, adding that Electricity is central to development, and reliable power supply remains one of the greatest needs of our people in Kwara State.

He noted further that the bill has the potential to transform Kwara State by attracting industries, improving education, creating jobs, and enhancing the quality of life of citizens. He fully support the Electricity Power Sector Bill, 2025,

Hon. Shittu, who represents the Owode/Onire constituency, has emerged as a symbol of purposeful youth leadership, showing that age is no barrier to vision, courage, and impact.

With the Bill now set for its third reading, many observers believe Kwara is poised to join the ranks of progressive states taking full advantage of the decentralization of Nigeria’s energy sector at the subnational level.