Following the expiration of the 60 days issued to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to come under the regulatory oversight of the Ondo State government, the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has set up a high-power committee to oversee the transition process.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, who said the committee is to be headed by an industry expert, Engr. Olatunji Ariyomo.
Adeniyan said Ariyomo is to be supported by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy, Engr. Johnson Alabi, who will serve as the Vice Chairman of the Committee.
He listed other members of the committee, including a former Regional Head of BEDC, Mrs. Iyabo Adefemi, and the Director of Planning of the Ondo State Power Company (OSPC), Engr. Olumayowa Ajumobi, while the State Coordinator of the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (OSERB), Engr. Stephen Bolawole, will serve as the Secretary.
According to Adeniyan, Engr. Gbenga Akeju will represent the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) as a member of the committee, while the Benin Distribution Company has been directed to nominate a representative.
He said the inauguration ceremony of the committee will take place at the Governor’s Office in Akure next Monday.
He said the Committee’s inauguration is a significant step aimed at improving the electricity supply in Ondo State, as it will now oversee the transition period of regulatory oversight transfer from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the Ondo State Government.
He said the committee’s principal mandate is to develop modalities for the improvement of electricity supply within the state, ensure smooth transfer of authority from federal institutions to the state, and enhance local governance and control over electricity for the benefit of the people of Ondo State.
The Governor in his address said: “This committee is a vital step towards achieving our goal of a more efficient and locally controlled electricity regulatory market.
“By taking charge of our regulatory framework, we can better address the unique needs of our state and ensure a more reliable and sustainable power supply for our citizens. Having a substantial part of Ondo State in darkness is simply unacceptable.”
The Transition Committee, under the leadership of Tunji Light Ariyomo, is expected to streamline regulatory processes, enhance accountability, create frameworks for improved sector-specific knowledge and technical capabilities, and ultimately lead to improvements in electricity supply and distribution throughout Ondo State.
The committee will work closely with various stakeholders, including NERC and the Benin Disco, to ensure a smooth and effective handover.
The inauguration of the Electricity Regulatory Transition Committee marks a milestone in Ondo State’s journey towards energy independence and improved public service delivery.
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