Reps legislative conference on renewable energy holds Monday

The inaugural National Legislative Conference on Renewable Energy, aimed at establishing a roadmap for the development of renewable energy in Nigeria, is scheduled to take place in Lagos from Monday, 5th May 2025.

The two-day event, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, will be held at Eko Hotels and Suites and is expected to attract experts and stakeholders from across the renewable energy sector.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, stated that the conference seeks to convene key stakeholders and industry leaders to deliberate on renewable energy legislation, energy transition, financing mechanisms, investment opportunities, and other related issues. The ultimate goal, he noted, is to craft a comprehensive national legislative framework for renewable energy development.

Hon. Ogene highlighted recent legislative reforms within Nigeria’s energy sector as a driving force behind the convening of this maiden edition of the conference. He cited the Fifth Alteration Bill 2022 (No. 33), now an Act, which empowers states to legislate on electricity generation, transmission, and distribution within areas covered by the national grid authority that was previously restricted to off-grid areas.

Furthermore, he referenced the Electricity Act 2023, signed into law in February 2024, which enables states to issue licenses for all electricity-related activities—generation, transmission, and distribution—thus granting them powers to formulate laws, regulations, and policies throughout the energy value chain.

According to Ogene, “The new National Integrated Electricity Policy 2025 offers a clearer framework for states to follow in establishing their respective electricity markets. It is anticipated that renewable energy, particularly distributed off-grid solar solutions, will play a central role in unlocking low-cost electricity access for Nigeria’s unserved and underserved communities.”

He explained that the conference aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and foster dialogue among legislators, technical experts, and stakeholders on key legislative priorities, regulatory frameworks, and international best practices to fast-track Nigeria’s renewable energy transition.

Another major objective of the event is to enhance legislative collaboration by creating a unified platform for both federal and state lawmakers to harmonise policies, address regulatory challenges, and synchronise their efforts to drive the country’s energy reforms.

The conference also intends to develop a time-bound, action-oriented legislative roadmap, complete with prioritised reforms, investment incentives, and accountability mechanisms, to boost renewable energy development and modernise the national grid.

Hon. Ogene disclosed that the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) will participate in the conference, alongside three African national parliaments: South Africa, Ghana, and The Gambia. These participants will also help showcase the impact of the House Committee on Renewable Energy.

The conference is expected to propose specific policy and legislative reforms to promote renewable energy adoption in Nigeria and encourage increased public and private sector investment in the sector.

In addition, the outcomes of the event are anticipated to strengthen collaboration and coordination between the federal and state legislatures and increase public awareness of the critical role of lawmakers in driving Nigeria’s renewable energy agenda.