Security of the Electricity Supply Under the Electricity Act, 2023

Abstract

Nigeria is endowed with sources of electricity including coal, gas and renewables. Yet, Nigeria has been unable to supply electricity to 45% of its residents and service is unreliable among those with electricity connection thereby constraining Nigeria’s socio-economic development. This paper interrogated the strategies adopted in the Electricity Act, 2023 for the achievement of security of electricity supply. Data for this paper was collected from statutes including the Electricity Act, 2023 and other sources, using the doctrinal method. The paper concluded that the Electricity Act includes measures to enhance security of electricity supply but have limitations which will undermine its effectiveness and noted that the Act’s provisions on subsidies and independence of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission was not being implemented. It recommended removal of the requirement for licences for electricity generation, open access to transmission and distribution infrastructure and suspending participation in the West African Power Pool.