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Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged state governors across Nigeria to stop relying solely on the Federal Government to address electricity supply challenges in their respective states.

Shettima explained that the Electricity Act 2023 gives states the authority to generate and distribute electricity independently.

He made the remarks on Wednesday during the National Stakeholders Workshop on the Electricity Act 2023, held at the State House Banquet Hall in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Vice President was represented at the event by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia.

He stressed that Nigeria would struggle to develop a competitive industrial economy without dependable electricity for businesses, households and public institutions.

According to him, the Electricity Act provides a legal framework for states to establish and regulate their own electricity markets.

“The Act empowers States to develop and regulate intrastate electricity markets within the applicable constitutional and statutory framework.

“State governors can fix electricity without the Federal Government. The size, diversity and endowments of this nation demand this decentralisation.

“Electricity supply must become a shared responsibility, pursued with innovation and accountability across the federation. Our States must shed the habit of waiting for the Federal Government to provide every answer,” he added.

Shettima highlighted the solar energy potential of Sokoto, Borno and Katsina states, the availability of gas resources in Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa, as well as opportunities for hydropower development in Niger and Kebbi.

He called on state governments to harness these natural resources and attract investments capable of supporting agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare and education.

The Vice President cautioned that enacting a law would not automatically guarantee electricity supply. He therefore called on states that are yet to establish their own electricity regulatory bodies to take immediate steps to do so.

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