By Taiwo Oguniyi
Ilorin — May 7, 2025
The Kwara State House of Assembly has commenced legislative action to overhaul the state’s electricity sector and intensify regulation of cooperative societies, particularly in response to rising cases of fraud.
During its plenary on Tuesday, the House took the first reading of the Kwara State Electric Power Sector Bill, 2025, which seeks to repeal the Electricity Board Laws of 1992 and 2006. Sponsored by Hon. Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu (Owode/Onire) and seconded by Hon. Omotosho Olakunle Rasaq (Isin), the bill aims to enhance electricity supply and encourage the development of independent power projects across the state.
Shittu described the bill as a timely response to the challenges of inadequate power supply, saying it would “empower the local economy through reliable and decentralized electricity networks.”
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Business and Rules for further scrutiny.
Also at the plenary, the Assembly deliberated on a motion regarding the proliferation of unregistered cooperative societies in the state. Moved by Hon. Odetundun Olushola (Irepodun) and seconded by Hon. Maryam Yusuf Aladi (Ilorin South), the motion warned against the growing number of illegal entities defrauding citizens under the guise of financial cooperatives.
Hon. Arinola Fatima Lawal (Ilorin East) described the trend as “a ticking time bomb” that could undermine public confidence in legitimate financial institutions.
The House resolved to urge the state government to direct the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology to commence immediate identification and enforcement of cooperative society registration. It also recommended legal action against those found operating without approval.
Lawmakers further called for reforms to simplify the registration process and mandated a joint public sensitisation campaign by the Ministries of Business and Communication. The Assembly also advised collaboration with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) to prevent media promotion of unlicensed financial groups.
Earlier, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu, acknowledged the presence of student observers from the Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union, Kwara Polytechnic chapter, and the Ilorin University Medical Students’ Association.
The session adjourned following a motion by Hon. Magaji Oba Abdulkadir (Ilorin Central), seconded by Hon. Abdulraheem Medinat Motunrayo (Lanwa/Ejidongari).
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