Afam Ogene Leads Bill for National Renewable Energy Authority

The House of Representatives has passed for second reading the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to create the National Authority for Renewable Energy (NARE) to oversee the regulation, development, and promotion of renewable energy in Nigeria. Sponsored by Afam Ogene, the representative for Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State, and chair of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, the bill aims to consolidate renewable energy functions currently managed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Rural Electrification Agency, and the Rural Electrification Fund.

Ogene stated that this consolidation would enhance coordination, minimize duplication, and provide clearer direction for renewable energy development. The proposed authority would focus on promoting renewable energy projects, especially mini-grid and off-grid systems for rural and underserved communities.

It would also support local manufacturing and capacity development through various incentives. The bill proposes that 40 percent of the Rural Electrification Fund's annual budget be allocated to NARE for financing renewable energy initiatives.