The House of Representatives has passed the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, for second reading, paving the way for further legislative consideration of a proposed National Authority for Renewable Energy (NARE).

The bill, sponsored by Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy and member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, seeks to establish NARE as the principal institution for regulating and promoting renewable energy in Nigeria.

Leading the debate on the bill on Wednesday, Ogene said the proposed authority would take over renewable energy functions currently handled by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Rural Electrification Fund (REF).

He said consolidating these responsibilities under one institution would improve coordination, accelerate rural electrification through mini-grids and off-grid systems, and attract investment in local manufacturing and job creation.

The bill also proposes allocating 40 per cent of the Rural Electrification Fund’s annual resources to NARE to finance renewable energy development.

It further provides for collaboration between the proposed authority and existing agencies to harmonise policies and ensure effective implementation.

“We must embrace decentralised and renewable energy solutions to reach communities faster,” Ogene told the House.

Following deliberations, the bill was referred to the relevant House Committee for further legislative scrutiny.