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By Tracy Moses
The House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, in collaboration with the Office of the Speaker, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is set to host the maiden edition of the National Legislative Conference on Renewable Energy and Expo.
The gathering, convened under the Parliamentary Development Programme of the House and the UNDP, is poised to serve as a national platform for legislators, policy experts, investors, private sector leaders, and development partners to deliberate on Nigeria’s renewable energy agenda.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, Hon. Afam Ogene, explained that the conference seeks to chart a legislative pathway to accelerate investment, development, and equitable access to renewable energy across the country. He noted that the discussions will centre on legislative frameworks, energy transition strategies, innovative financing, and harmonization of policy between federal and sub-national governments.
“This conference comes at a defining moment for Nigeria’s power sector, particularly in light of recent constitutional and legislative shifts,” Ogene said.
He referenced the Fifth Alteration Bill 2022 (No. 33), which grants states the authority to legislate on electricity within their territories, and the Electricity Act 2023, which empowers states to issue licenses throughout the electricity value chain, from generation to distribution.
“These new legal instruments, alongside the forthcoming National Integrated Electricity Policy 2025, present a golden opportunity for decentralized energy development, opening up the space for renewable energy to thrive and for state-level markets to flourish,” he added.
The conference is expected to drive knowledge-sharing among legislators, technical experts, and global partners while fostering stronger collaboration between national and sub-national legislative bodies. A major focus will be the creation of an actionable legislative blueprint that can support regulatory reforms and offer incentives to attract private investment into the renewable energy space.
In a significant show of international support, Ogene disclosed that the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) and parliamentary delegations from Ghana, South Africa, and Gambia will participate in the event. Ghana’s team will be led by the country’s Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Bagbin.
As part of the programme, a Pan-African Legislative Dialogue on Renewable Energy will be hosted by INCLUDE, a Netherlands-based knowledge platform. The session, to be chaired by Speaker Abbas, aims to promote a continent-wide approach to legislative frameworks that support clean energy investment and development.
Key takeaways anticipated from the conference include proposed reforms to accelerate renewable energy adoption in Nigeria, improved synergy between federal and state lawmakers, and enhanced public awareness of the legislature’s strategic role in the nation’s energy transition. It will also provide a roadmap for implementation and monitoring, along with a technology exhibition showcasing cutting-edge solutions and investment opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
Hon. Ogene stressed that the event reflects the House of Representatives’ unwavering commitment to leading Nigeria’s clean energy transformation and addressing the electricity needs of millions living without reliable power.