Buhari Signs Amended Constitution to Allow States Generate, Transmit Electricity
By Boniface Ihiasota, USA
President Muhammadu Buhari has signed a constitutional amendment bill allowing states in Nigeria to generate, transmit, distribute, and license electricity.
The presidential media spokesperson, Tolu Ogunlesi, announced the news via Twitter on Friday.
Ogunlesi also mentioned that the signing of the bill guarantees financial independence for state Houses of Assembly and Judiciaries, while Railways have moved from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List.
This amendment marks a significant milestone in the restructuring of Nigeria as it empowers states to participate actively in the electricity sector, which was previously exclusive to the national government.
The tweet reads in part: “ President #MBuhari has signed 16 Constitution Amendment Bills into Law. By this signing, State Houses of Assembly & Judiciaries now have constitutionally guaranteed financial independence, while Railways have moved from Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List.
“Another landmark change: By virtue of the Presidential Assent, Nigerian States can NOW generate, transmit and distribute electricity in areas covered by the national grid. Wasn’t allowed pre-amendment. This is genuine, realistic restructuring — through the Constitution.”
