…….by Comrade Olufemi Lawson
The signing of the Ondo State Electric Power Sector (Amendment) Law, 2026, by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa marks a watershed in the economic history of Ondo State and represents one of the boldest steps yet taken by the administration to lay a sustainable foundation for industrialisation, investment, job creation and broad-based economic development.
This is not merely another piece of legislation. It is a strategic economic instrument that positions Ondo State to take advantage of the emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s decentralised electricity market while creating a more predictable, regulated and investment-friendly environment for the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity.
For decades, inadequate and unreliable electricity supply has remained one of the greatest obstacles to industrial growth in Nigeria. Businesses have been forced to spend enormous resources on alternative power, while many potential investors have been discouraged from establishing production facilities in areas where dependable electricity cannot be guaranteed.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s assent to this landmark legislation therefore goes beyond the power sector. It is fundamentally about creating the conditions for businesses to thrive, industries to expand, young people to find employment and communities across Ondo State to experience sustainable economic prosperity.
The new law provides a comprehensive framework for Ondo State to develop its electricity market and attract investments into generation, transmission, distribution, mini-grids, renewable energy and other emerging energy technologies.
The establishment of the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) is particularly significant. As an independent regulatory institution, the Commission will provide oversight of electricity activities, tariffs, franchises, open access, third-party investments, mini-grids and renewable energy development.
This regulatory certainty is exactly what serious investors require.
Investors are more likely to commit substantial capital to a jurisdiction where the rules are clear, institutions are established and their investments enjoy legal protection. By creating such an environment, Ondo State is sending a powerful message to local and international investors that the State is open for business.
The law also strengthens the Ondo State Power Company, empowering it to participate in generation, transmission and distribution, including mini-grids, independent distribution networks, renewable energy, small hydro projects and future energy technologies.
This creates enormous possibilities for the State to harness its abundant economic and natural resources and convert them into productive opportunities.
The significance of the new power sector framework will ultimately be measured by its impact on the lives of ordinary people.
A more reliable electricity supply will enable existing businesses to reduce operating costs, increase production and employ more workers. It will also encourage the establishment of new businesses, factories, processing plants, technology enterprises and service industries.
The employment opportunities will not be limited to electricity generation and distribution. The expansion of the sector will create demand for engineers, technicians, artisans, construction workers, installers, equipment suppliers, consultants, entrepreneurs and thousands of other professionals and support workers.
The establishment of the Equipment Standards and Competence Certification Agency (ESCCA), with responsibility for inspecting and certifying electrical installations and accrediting technicians, contractors and operators, will equally contribute to professionalising the sector while creating opportunities for skilled young people.
This is how genuine economic transformation is achieved, by creating an environment in which investment generates production, production generates employment, and employment improves household incomes.
One of the most compelling aspects of the new legislation is its potential to strengthen investor confidence.
The law provides mechanisms for protecting electricity investments made by government, communities, individuals and private investors as “State Protected Investments.” It also creates opportunities for specified exclusivity rights in certain electricity projects.
These provisions can significantly improve the investment climate.
For foreign investors considering Ondo State as a destination for manufacturing, agro-processing, mining, technology, logistics or other capital-intensive ventures, access to reliable electricity is a critical consideration. The emergence of a properly regulated electricity market can therefore become a major competitive advantage for Ondo State.
The State possesses enormous economic potential. What has often been required is the infrastructure and policy environment capable of unlocking that potential. The new electricity law provides an important piece of that puzzle.
Perhaps the greatest beneficiaries of this reform will be local businesses and communities.
From small and medium-sized enterprises to farmers, artisans, traders, manufacturers and technology entrepreneurs, improved access to electricity can transform productivity and profitability.
A local food-processing business, for instance, can increase production without spending an excessive proportion of its revenue on diesel. A farmer can expand agro-processing activities. A young technology entrepreneur can operate digital services more efficiently. A manufacturing company can increase production and employ additional workers.
Across the length and breadth of Ondo State, dependable electricity can turn dormant economic capacity into productive enterprise.
The provisions protecting electricity infrastructure financed by communities and private individuals are equally important. Such investments deserve protection because communities should not be discouraged from participating in solving their own electricity challenges.
Governor Aiyedatiwa deserves commendation for demonstrating that governance is ultimately about converting promises into policies, legislation and tangible development.
At a time when political distractions, unwarranted campaign of calumny and attempts to divert public attention have continued to confront his administration, the Governor has remained focused on the business of governance.
Rather than allowing political noise to derail his administration, Governor Aiyedatiwa has continued to pursue policies capable of producing lasting benefits for the people of Ondo State.
The signing of the electricity law is therefore another demonstration that the Governor remains committed to fulfilling the promises made to the people and to building an Ondo State capable of competing effectively in the emerging Nigerian and global economy.
Leadership is not measured by the volume of political rhetoric surrounding an administration; it is measured by the enduring institutions, policies and infrastructure left behind.
By assenting to this legislation, Governor Aiyedatiwa has taken a significant step towards establishing an electricity market that can outlive political administrations and continue to serve generations of Ondo people.
The road ahead will require effective implementation, strong regulatory institutions, transparency, professionalism and sustained collaboration between government and the private sector. The legislation has created the foundation; the next task is to translate its provisions into functioning electricity projects across the State.
With effective implementation, Ondo can position itself as one of Nigeria’s emerging energy and industrial investment destinations.
The message from the Aiyedatiwa administration is clear: Ondo State is ready to harness electricity as an engine of industrialisation, investment, employment and development.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has demonstrated once again that he will not be distracted by political attacks or campaigns of calumny. His focus remains on moving Ondo State forward and delivering practical dividends of democracy to its people.
The signing of the Ondo State Electric Power Sector (Amendment) Law, 2026, is therefore more than an administrative milestone. It is a declaration of economic ambition—a commitment to unlock the productive capacity of Ondo State, empower its people, attract investment and build a stronger, more prosperous future.
Ondo State is moving forward, and with the right implementation, the power sector can become one of the strongest engines driving that transformation.
Comrade Olufemi Lawson is the Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Ondo State, He sent in this piece from Akure, Ondo State