The House of Representatives has advanced a proposal to establish a National Authority for Renewable Energy (NARE) as part of efforts to improve electricity access, promote investment in clean energy and strengthen Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.
The proposal is contained in the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which passed its second reading during plenary on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. The bill seeks to establish a dedicated institution to coordinate renewable energy development and improve the implementation of related policies across the country.
The legislation was sponsored by Afam Victor Ogene, Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy and representative of Ogbaru Federal Constituency. During the debate, Ogene argued that creating a specialised authority would address gaps in the existing regulatory framework and improve coordination among institutions responsible for renewable energy development.
Under the proposal, some renewable energy responsibilities currently handled by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Rural Electrification Agency and the Rural Electrification Fund would be transferred to the new authority.
Ogene said the proposed institution would help accelerate the development of mini-grids and off-grid electricity systems, particularly in rural communities with limited access to the national electricity grid. He also highlighted its potential to attract investment in local manufacturing and support the growth of renewable energy technologies.
The bill proposes allocating 40 per cent of the Rural Electrification Fund’s annual resources to the new authority to finance renewable energy projects and related initiatives. It also provides for collaboration with existing agencies to harmonise policies and improve the delivery of electricity programmes.
Supporters of the proposal believe a dedicated institution could make it easier to coordinate renewable energy investments and expand access to alternative power sources, including solar energy and mini-grid systems. These solutions could help address electricity shortages in underserved communities while reducing the cost and difficulty of extending conventional power infrastructure to remote locations.
The proposed authority is also expected to support economic activities across the renewable energy value chain. Increased investment could create opportunities for local manufacturers, technicians, installers and businesses involved in the supply and maintenance of renewable energy equipment.
Following its second reading, the bill was referred to the relevant House committee for further legislative consideration. It must progress through the remaining stages of the legislative process before it can become law.
The proposal comes as Nigeria continues to explore ways to improve electricity supply and reduce dependence on conventional power sources. Expanding renewable energy infrastructure could provide additional options for households, businesses and rural communities struggling with unreliable electricity.
However, the success of the proposed authority would depend on its final legal framework, funding arrangements, relationship with existing institutions and ability to deliver projects effectively.
If approved and properly implemented, the legislation could mark an important step towards improving coordination in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector and expanding access to more reliable electricity across the country.
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