Vice President Kashim Shettima has told the 36 state governors to stop waiting for the Federal Government to solve their electricity problems, saying states can now generate and distribute their own power under the Electricity Act 2023.

Shettima spoke on Wednesday at the National Stakeholders Workshop on the Electricity Act 2023, held at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja. He was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia.

He said Nigeria cannot build a competitive industrial economy without reliable power for businesses, households and public institutions. According to him, the Act empowers states to develop 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," he said.

He added that power supply should become a shared responsibility across the federation, driven by innovation and accountability.

"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 said.

Shettima pointed to the energy resources available in different parts of the country, citing solar potential in Sokoto, Borno and Katsina, gas resources in Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa, and hydro opportunities in Niger and Kebbi.

He urged states to turn these into investments that can power agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare and education.

The Vice President warned that the law alone will not provide electricity, and urged states that have not yet set up their own electricity regulators to do so immediately.

ID