Federal lawmakers in both Nigeria's National Assembly and House of Representatives have voted overwhelmingly in support of a constitutional amendment bill aimed at allowing state governments to generate and transmit their own electricity.
Business Insider Africa gathered that the lawmakers passed the law on Tuesday in their various chambers. A statement that was released via the official Twitter handle of the Nigerian House of Representatives detailed how 298 members voted in support of the constitutional reform, while only two members voted against.
A Bill For An Act to alter the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to allow States generate, transmit and distribute electricity in areas covered by the national grid; and for related matters. Ayes 298, Nays 2. Ayes have it," said part of the tweets by the House of Representatives.
In the meantime, the bill would have to receive support from state lawmakers across Nigeria's 36 states, before it would be sent to President Muhammadu Buhari for his assent.
If and when President Buhari signs the bill into law, it is expected to break the monopoly of the Federal Government of Nigeria to generate and distribute electricity in Africa's most populous country.
The development would also encourage Nigeria's 36 states to diversify their energy sources. This would, in turn, help the West African country to deal with its lingering epileptic power problem.
According to Bloomberg, Nigeria has an installed electricity generation capacity of 13,000 megawatts daily. However, while only 7,500 megawatts are available, less than 4,000 megawatts are distributed to the national grid. Little wonder millions of Nigerians struggle to have up to 15 hours of electricity in a day.
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
Tension Rise Again In Plateau As Bandits Attack Market, Kidnap Five And Steal Goods
Portable Reveals He Made N70M in Three Days After Fight With Speed Darlington (Video)
VIDEO: Man Caught While Waiting For a Minor he Had Solicited S£x From Online
Rapper, Phyno Unveils His Daughter, Shares Adorable Video to Mark Her Second Birthday
Ex Madrid Player, Xabi Alonso Seals Managerial Move To Real Madrid As Ancelotti Bows Out
Retired Teacher, Mallam Kabiru Killed, Wife Abducted As Bandits Invade Zamfara School Quarters
Army Busts Gunrunning Syndicate in Plateau, Two Arrested With AK-47 (Photos)
Ringside Rumble? Fans Hype Possible Boxing Showdown Between Small Doctor And Portable