The Senate on Wednesday took a step closure towards ensuring improved power supply nationwide, with “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Utilization, Sustainability and Adequate supply of Renewable Energy for Electricity and Heat Generation and for related matters, 2016 (SB.131)” passing the second reading stage in the upper house.

The Bill was subsequently been referred to the Committee on Power for further legislative input and report back in two weeks.

Sponsor of the Bill, Senator Stella Odua representing Anambra North, while leading the debate, noted that with only 40 per cent of Nigerians having access to conventional electricity grid, renewable energy is a welcome development that will improve access.

Senator Biodun Olujimi from Ekiti South submitted in his contribution that “renewable energy is the new source of energy all over the world,” adding that “Nigeria has not been able to utilise the solar energy effectively.”

Senator Ahmed Lawan from Yobe North said that “this is one of the most important bills that this Senate has presented; I urge us to take it seriously from now.”

Senate President Bukola Saraki said: “I am delighted that the Bill has passed this stage. I know there is a great need for us to tap into other energy resources.”

•Photo shows Bill Sponsor, Senator Stella Odua.

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