Abuja, July 18, 2025 — Stakeholders in Nigeria’s power sector have raised concerns over the proposed amendment bill currently before the National Assembly, warning that if passed, it could worsen the financial burden on both the federal and state governments.
Critics of the bill argue that its provisions would derail ongoing efforts to build a self-sustaining and efficient electricity industry by reinforcing reliance on government subsidies and increasing fiscal obligations.
According to industry analysts, “The amendment bill, if passed, will further exacerbate the financial burden on the federal government and states, undermining efforts to achieve a sustainable and self-financing power sector.”
They noted that the sector, already grappling with inefficiencies, mounting debts, and infrastructure deficits, requires reforms that promote market-driven principles and private sector investment, not increased government control or expenditure.
The Federal Government has in recent years committed to liberalising the electricity market, with measures aimed at encouraging independent generation and distribution, as well as transitioning from subsidies to cost-reflective tariffs. The proposed amendment, however, could reverse some of these gains.
Stakeholders are urging lawmakers to thoroughly review the implications of the bill and consider long-term economic sustainability before proceeding with its passage.
As debate intensifies, the bill’s fate remains uncertain, with the power sector and fiscal reform advocates watching closely for the National Assembly’s next