In a significant step towards energy autonomy and economic development, the Kaduna State House of Assembly passes the bill for the establishment of the Kaduna State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KDSERC).
The historic legislation, which also provides a commercial and technical framework for the state’s electricity market, was passed during a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Hon. Dahiru Liman.
The bill successfully passed its third reading after the adoption of a report presented by the chairman of the Joint Committee on Public Works, Infrastructure, and Judiciary, Hon. Muhammad Nasiru.
According to the committee’s report, the newly passed bill is designed to facilitate the adoption of green technology and ensure a sustainable, safe, reliable, and efficient electricity supply for Kaduna State.
It aims to regulate the state’s internal electricity market, operate within the framework of existing federal regulations, and promote the efficient interconnection of power infrastructure.
In another move to bolster the state’s fiscal governance, the Assembly also advanced a major tax reform bill. The bill for a law to repeal the Tax Codification and Consolidation Law No. 16 of 2020 successfully passed its second reading.
This proposed legislation has been referred to the appropriate committee for in-depth study and scrutiny. Its core objectives are to provide a streamlined framework for the assessment, collection, and accounting of revenues accruing to both the state and local governments.
Key provisions of the tax bill include establishing a uniform procedure for the consistent and efficient administration of all tax laws in Kaduna State. The goal is to facilitate easier compliance for taxpayers while optimising tax revenue collections for public services.
Additionally, the bill seeks to establish the “Kaduna State Revenue Service” as the central agency for tax administration. It will clearly prescribe the powers, functions, and responsibilities of this new service.
The passage of the electricity bill and the progression of the tax reform legislation signal a dual legislative focus by the Kaduna State Assembly.
The first targets the fundamental infrastructure of power, aiming to unlock economic potential and improve living standards.
The second seeks to strengthen the financial backbone of the state, creating a more efficient, transparent, and robust revenue system to fund future development projects.