Stakeholders Push for Consumer Protection in Cross River Electricity Bill
Civil Society Calls for People-Centered Reform
Civil society organizations, energy experts, and local communities have called on the Cross River State House of Assembly to adopt a more inclusive and people-focused approach in the ongoing review of the state’s draft Electricity Bill 2025.
During a recent community and civil society engagement forum, Michael Keania Kanikpo, Country Manager for Natural Justice, a pan-African legal and environmental advocacy group, emphasized the need for reforms that truly reflect the experiences and challenges of electricity consumers across the state.
“Our recommendations are shaped by grassroots consultations and expert input. Urban and rural consumers often fund their own infrastructure—transformers, cables, energization without government support. This bill must correct that imbalance,” Kanikpo stated.
Key Demands: Affordability, Innovation, and Access
Advocating for Strong Legal Safeguards
Kanikpo noted that the revised bill should align with constitutional provisions and provide robust consumer protections, especially for underserved rural areas. He stressed that many Nigerians are losing faith in national electricity regulators, turning instead to bodies like the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for redress.
“The state must seize this opportunity to establish legal frameworks that build trust, encourage innovation, and make electricity affordable and accessible for all,” he added.
Addressing Infrastructure Challenges and Rural Neglect
H3: Spotlight on Akankpa and Long-Term Blackouts
Kanikpo also raised concerns over persistent infrastructural neglect in rural communities like Akankpa, where some areas have been without power for over 20 years due to vandalism and government inaction. He proposed that the new bill must include community engagement mechanisms to safeguard installations and encourage local ownership.
Assembly Vows to Strengthen Power Sector
Hon. Obang Commits to Stakeholder Collaboration
Hon. Francis Obang, Chairman of the House Committee on Power and Electricity, acknowledged the technical submissions by Natural Justice and reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to a bill that addresses current and future energy needs.
“Vandalism remains a serious threat to our power infrastructure. This bill contains punitive and preventive measures to tackle it. We’re ensuring this law empowers communities to protect these assets,” Obang said.
He also promised continued collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that the final law genuinely reflects the realities of Cross River residents in the evolving energy landscape.
A Post-National Grid Future for Cross River
The draft Electricity Bill, spanning over 100 pages, aims to provide a comprehensive legal framework for electricity generation, distribution, and regulation in the state, especially in light of Nigeria’s move to decentralize power regulation and allow states to take charge of their own energy markets.
Stakeholders believe that, if properly designed and implemented, the bill could serve as a model for other sub-national electricity markets in Nigeria, setting new standards in affordability, innovation, and accountability.
