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The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP), Enugu State Chapter, has issued a comprehensive commendation of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s strategic reforms and transformative initiatives within the Energy and Power sector since his assumption of office on May 29, 2023.

In a press release jointly signed by Chief Innocent Ezeoha, the State Coordinator; Dr. Afam Ani, the Chairman; and Barr. Ken Ikeh, the Secretary, the CRPP highlighted the profound impact of these reforms on the state’s potential for industrialization, job creation, and inclusive economic growth, in continuation of its sector-by-sector assessment of the Mid-Term performance of the Governor Mbah’s administration.

The CRPP, dedicated to promoting democratic accountability and good governance, recognized the critical role of reliable electricity in economic development. “As a coalition devoted to advancing the cause of democratic accountability and good governance, we recognize that access to reliable electricity is indispensable to industrialization, job creation, and inclusive economic growth,” the statement read.

They particularly lauded Governor Mbah’s “proactive response to the opportunities provided by the 2023 constitutional amendment, which removed electricity from the exclusive legislative list,” describing it as “highly commendable and visionary.”

A cornerstone of Governor Mbah’s achievements in this sector, according to the CRPP, is the enactment of the Enugu State Electricity Law. This law is hailed as a “robust legal and regulatory framework for the decentralization and development of the power sector in the state.”

The Coalition emphasized the administration’s “legal foresight and a deep commitment to leveraging legislative reform for economic development” by swiftly aligning with the amended national constitution.

The Enugu State Electricity Law, a landmark piece of legislation, led to the establishment of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC). This independent regulatory body is tasked with the crucial responsibility to “license, monitor, and supervise electricity generation, transmission, system operations, distribution, and electricity markets within the state.”

Furthermore, the EERC is mandated to “play a critical role in ensuring that service providers comply with safety, reliability, and consumer protection standards.”

The CRPP noted with satisfaction that the EERC is already operational, positioning Enugu State as a trailblazer in Nigeria. “We note that the EERC is already in operation, positioning Enugu as one of the few states in Nigeria that have fully domesticated and activated sub-national electricity regulation,” the statement affirmed.

This timely establishment has already begun to yield positive results, attracting “considerable private sector interest in independent power production and distribution, with multiple investors expressing readiness to partner with the state in delivering sustainable energy solutions.”

Beyond legislative reforms, the Mbah administration has actively pursued key partnerships and engagements to accelerate energy investments. The CRPP highlighted the government’s “ongoing collaboration with renewable energy companies, gas-powered generation firms, and mini-grid developers,” which reflects a “comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing Enugu’s energy needs.”

The administration’s unwavering focus on achieving energy sufficiency is evident in its commitment to providing “off-grid and embedded generation solutions” for industrial clusters, markets, and rural communities.

Governor Mbah’s ambitious target of “achieving 24/7 power supply in key economic zones” is seen as a direct alignment with his broader economic agenda, which aims to elevate the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from $4.4 billion to $30 billion through aggressive industrialization, innovation, and infrastructure development.

In a forward-looking move, the Mbah administration is also laying the groundwork for an Integrated Energy Master Plan. This plan is envisioned as a “strategic blueprint for energy expansion, including grid modernization, renewable energy adoption, and utility-scale investments across the state.”

Critically, the plan is also expected to “address critical issues such as energy equity, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience.”

The CRPP concluded its commendation by applauding these “decisive and forward-looking reforms,” asserting that they are “already setting Enugu apart as a pacesetter in sub-national energy governance in Nigeria.” The Coalition believes these efforts hold immense potential not only to “improve the quality of life for residents but also to drive industrial competitiveness and enhance the state’s attractiveness to both local and foreign investors.”

While acknowledging the impressive strides, the CRPP also offered constructive advice, urging the state government to ensure that its power reforms are “inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and responsive to the needs of underserved communities.” They emphasized the importance of giving “special attention…to building local technical capacity, enhancing consumer education, and ensuring affordability for low-income households.”

Furthermore, the Coalition appealed to the Federal Government and relevant national institutions to support Enugu State’s initiatives by “facilitating grid access, fast-tracking approvals for interconnection infrastructure, and providing incentives for private investors aligned with the state’s energy vision.”

In closing, the Coalition of Registered Political Parties, Enugu State Chapter, unequivocally celebrated “Governor Peter Mbah’s bold and strategic leadership in transforming the energy and power sector.” They reiterated that the administration’s achievements in this vital sector “reflect a clear understanding that sustainable electricity access is both a human right and a fundamental driver of economic transformation.”

The CRPP reaffirmed its commitment to “monitoring governance outcomes, offering constructive policy engagement, and supporting all efforts that promote prosperity, stability, and social justice across Enugu State.”

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