The House of Representatives is set to hold its inaugural National Legislative Conference on Renewable Energy in Lagos State, scheduled for 5 and 6 May 2025.
Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, Honourable Àfam Ogene, made the announcement during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday. He stated that the conference aims to convene key industry stakeholders and policymakers to deliberate on renewable energy legislation, energy transition strategies, financing models and investment opportunities within Nigeria’s energy landscape.
“Th is conference is designed to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive national legislative framework on renewable energy,” Ogene said.
He explained that recent reforms in Nigeria’s energy laws have created new opportunities and responsibilities for both federal and state governments. Specifically, he referenced the Fifth Alteration Bill 2022 (No.33), which has now become law and grants states the authority to legislate on electricity generation, transmission and distribution within areas already covered by the national grid. Previously, states were only empowered to act in off-grid areas.
In addition, Ogene pointed to the Electricity Act 2023, which was signed into law in February 2024. The Act allows states to issue licences for all electricity activities, including generation, transmission and distribution, and also empowers them to develop laws, regulations and policies across the entire electricity value chain.
“The National Integrated Electricity Policy 2025 offers a clearer roadmap that states are expected to adopt as they establish new electricity markets,” Ogene said.
”Renewable energy, particularly distributed off-grid solutions powered by solar, will be central to these investment opportunities. These are the most affordable solutions for communities that are currently unserved or underserved.”
The lawmaker stressed that the upcoming conference will provide a platform for knowledge-sharing, encourage constructive dialogue among lawmakers, technical experts and industry participants, and shape future legislative priorities.
He said that one of the main objectives of the conference is to generate actionable recommendations for policy and legal reforms that will promote the wider adoption of renewable energy across Nigeria. Other goals include proposing specific legislative instruments to encourage both public and private sector investment in renewables, and fostering improved coordination between federal and state legislative bodies in the energy sector.
According to Ogene, another key outcome of the conference will be to raise public awareness about the critical role the legislature plays in advancing the country’s renewable energy agenda.
The conference will also feature an exhibition on renewable energy technologies and innovations. It is being organised by the House Committee on Renewable Energy in collaboration with the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Abbas Tajudeen, and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
In addition, the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) and three African national parliaments — South Africa, Ghana and The Gambia — are expected to participate in the event. These delegations will showcase the achievements and progress of the House Committee on Renewable Energy and highlight collaborative efforts in advancing clean energy legislation across the continent.
