Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stated that members of the National Assembly are not in office to enrich themselves, but to make sacrifices for the benefit of future generations.

Akpabio made the remark during Wednesday’s plenary while contributing to the debate on a bill seeking to amend the Electricity Act, 2023.

“People think we are here in the Senate to make money, not knowing that we are here to sacrifice for future generations,” he said.

The amendment bill, sponsored by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South), seeks to clarify transitional provisions related to the transfer of intrastate electricity regulatory powers from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to state governments, among other adjustments.

Akpabio emphasized the importance of electricity in driving industrial growth, noting that Nigerians are eager for a complete overhaul of the power sector to deliver reliable and affordable electricity.

The bill passed second reading and was referred to the Senate Committee on Power for further legislative work. The committee is expected to submit its report within six weeks.

In his lead debate, Abaribe said the amendment is aimed at resolving emerging issues encountered during the implementation of the Electricity Act, 2023.

“The primary objective of this bill is to address critical issues that have emerged since the implementation of the EA, 2023,” Abaribe noted.

He explained that the proposed amendments would enhance policy and regulatory coordination between the federal and state governments, and help prevent legal disputes and inconsistencies in the power sector.

The legislation is part of ongoing efforts to decentralize electricity regulation, enabling states to develop and manage their own power markets in line with the current legal framework.