Politics

Kwara Lawmakers Support Power Sector Reform

Kwara State House of Assembly, Ilorin

 

The Kwara State House of Assembly on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, took significant legislative steps aimed at improving electricity infrastructure and safeguarding citizens from fraudulent financial schemes disguised as cooperative societies.

Presided over by Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, the plenary began with the approval of the votes and proceedings from the April 30 session, followed by a warm acknowledgment of student observers from the Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union (Kwara Polytechnic Chapter) and the Ilorin University Medical Students’ Association (ILUMSA).

A major highlight of the day was the first reading of the Kwara State Electric Power Sector Bill, 2025. Sponsored by Hon. Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu (Owode/Onire) and seconded by Hon. Omotosho Olakunle Rasaq (Isin), the bill seeks to repeal outdated electricity laws from 1992 and 2006, and establish a framework to support independent electricity generation, transmission, and distribution across the state.

Hon. Shittu explained that the bill is crucial for boosting economic development through improved energy access. “Our people and businesses deserve reliable power. This bill is a bold step toward energy independence and industrial growth in Kwara,” she said.

In another development, the House deliberated extensively on the illegal activities of unregistered cooperative societies operating in the state. The motion, raised by Hon. Odetundun Olushola (Irepodun) and seconded by Hon. Maryam Yusuf Aladi (Ilorin South), received broad support from lawmakers who called for urgent government intervention.

During the debate, lawmakers expressed concern over the exploitation of unsuspecting residents by fraudulent cooperatives, which operate without regulatory oversight.

“The stories of people losing their life savings to these illegal cooperatives are heartbreaking. We must act now to protect the people,” Hon. Babatunde Ayi Olatundun (Ilorin North-West) remarked.

Following contributions from several members, the House passed a resolution urging Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to mandate the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology to identify and clamp down on all unregistered cooperatives, enforce registration, and prosecute defaulters.

The lawmakers also called for the simplification of the registration process to encourage compliance, as well as a statewide sensitization campaign in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications.

They further recommended a partnership between the Ministry of Communications, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) to monitor and regulate advertisements promoting unlicensed financial institutions on radio stations.

The session was adjourned following a motion moved by Hon. Magaji Oba Abdulkadir (Ilorin Central) and Hon. Abdulraheem Medinat Motunrayo (Lanwa/Ejidongari).

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