Senate President Godswill Akpabio has emphasized that lawmakers are not in the Senate to amass wealth but to make sacrifices that will benefit future generations of Nigerians.
Akpabio made this declaration on Wednesday during a debate on the general principles of the Bill for an Act to amend the Electricity Act, 2023.
"People think we are here in the Senate to make money, not knowing that we are here to sacrifice for future generations," he stated during the session.
The Senate President further explained that electricity is crucial for Nigeria's industrial growth, noting that the country desperately needs a comprehensive overhaul of its electricity sector.
The bill under discussion, sponsored by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South), who chairs the Senate Committee on Power, aims to address emerging issues in Nigeria's electric power sector.
Key objectives of the proposed legislation include enhancing policy and regulatory coordination, strengthening sectoral financing, protecting critical electricity infrastructure, and fostering better industrial relations in the sector.
The bill also seeks to clarify transitional arrangements and redefine host community engagements by licensees operating in the Nigerian electricity supply industry.
Akpabio's comments come at a time when public perception of Nigerian lawmakers often centers around allegations of excessive remuneration and benefits, rather than legislative productivity.
The Senate President's remarks appear aimed at reshaping this narrative by highlighting the legislative body's commitment to national development through critical reforms in sectors like electricity.
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