Vice President Kashim Shettima has directed Nigeria’s 36 state governors to stop depending on the Federal Government for electricity solutions.
Speaking at the National Stakeholders Workshop on the Electricity Act 2023 at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Shettima urged states to build functional intrastate energy markets.
Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, the Vice President declared that sub-national governments must take charge of local power generation and distribution.
“Our states must shed the habit of waiting for Abuja to provide every answer,” Shettima stated, emphasizing that decentralization is critical to supporting Nigeria’s growing economy.
Consequently, state governments are expected to leverage legal powers under the Electricity Act 2023 to license, regulate, and expand local power grids.
Leveraging Regional Resources for Independent Power Projects
Highlighting Nigeria’s geographical diversity, Shettima pointed out that states possess distinct natural resources to drive off-grid and regional electricity initiatives.
For instance, northern states like Sokoto, Borno, and Katsina possess immense solar radiation potential for large-scale solar arrays. Similarly, coastal states across the Niger Delta region hold extensive gas reserves, while central states possess abundant hydro-electric capacity.
“Electricity supply must become a shared responsibility, pursued with innovation and accountability across the Federation,” Shettima affirmed.
In addition, he urged governors to convert these energy endowments into sustainable power projects for agricultural, industrial, and social infrastructure.
Call to Fast-Track State Regulatory Bodies and Private Capital
While commending the statutory opening provided by the Electricity Act, Shettima warned that legislation alone cannot generate power.
He strongly urged state chief executives who have not yet established state electricity regulatory commissions to fast-track institutional frameworks. The Vice President proposed a National Electricity Reform Peer Review and Implementation Framework to help states share knowledge and attract private capital.
“Government cannot finance this transformation from the treasury alone; private capital must arrive with technology and expertise,” he noted.
Finally, the Federal Government reaffirmed its readiness to support sub-national initiatives that ensure reliable and affordable electricity nationwide.
