A coalition of civil society actors and energy sector experts has called for a robust legal and regulatory framework that will boost investment in the renewable energy sector.

Speaking during a community/civil society engagement on the draft Cross River State Electricity Bill 2025, in Abuja, the Country Manager of Natural Justice, Michael Keania, emphasized that legal clarity, consumer protection, and enabling policies are critical for encouraging private sector participation in energy generation and distribution.

He said, “We want to see a legal and regulatory framework that incentivizes investment in the energy sector, especially in renewables. Investors look for certainty in laws. If the laws are good, they will come.”

Kanikpo expressed satisfaction with the innovative provisions in the Cross River State Energy Bill, describing it as a promising step toward energy sector reform, but also noted areas of concern and emphasized the need for careful legal scrutiny.

He revealed that the organisation has revised the draft Cross River State Electricity Bill before the House Committee on Power, and recommendations were made based on inputs from communities, sector experts, and advocacy groups to enrich the proposed legislation.

He said, “Our recommendations reflect the concerns of civil society, experts, and local communities. Electricity consumers in rural and urban areas are often left to bear the cost of basic infrastructure like transformers, wires, and energisation. This bill must reflect provisions that protect consumers and address these recurring gaps,” Kanikpo said.

The organisation also pointed to the need for a clearer policy on electricity trading between states, noting that although the Cross River draft bill addresses inter-state trading, constitutional barriers may need to be resolved.

They emphasised the importance of rural electrification, urging lawmakers to ensure that energy policies prioritize access to affordable electricity for entire communities.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Power and Electricity, Hon Francis Obang, assured stakeholders that the Assembly was committed to delivering a bill that would strengthen the state’s energy sector.

“One of the critical issues we face is the vandalisation of power infrastructure. This bill contains provisions aimed at addressing that. Once passed and enforced, it will ensure that culprits are prosecuted and communities are more involved in protecting these vital assets,” Obang said.

Obang acknowledged the technical input of Natural Justice and noted that the Assembly would continue to work with stakeholders to ensure the final bill reflects the realities and energy needs of the people of Cross River State.

The draft Electricity Bill, which spans over 100 pages, is expected to guide the state’s power sector operations in the post-national grid era, especially following the decentralisation of electricity regulation to states in Nigeria.