Amid the economic effects of the lockdown and the COVID-19 pandemic, the lower chamber of the National assembly is considering a bill that would allow Nigerians to enjoy electricity supply for two months without any charges.
This was disclosed by the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila. According to him, the issue had been raised during the meeting of the National Assembly and the special ministerial task force set up by President Muhammadu Buhari. The task given to the group was to give advice on the general economic outlook, stimulus plans and packages to save the Nigerian economy.
In a tweet on his official handle @femigbaja, he noted that engagements are ongoing with the electricity distribution companies to work out the details of this stimulus package, which is expected to touch every household in Nigeria.
“At a meeting today, between @nassnigeria and the minister of finance, @ZShamsuna and her team, I disclosed that @HouseNGR is considering a second stimulus bill that will provide Nigerians with free electricity supply for two months to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he wrote.
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At a meeting today, between @nassnigeria and the Minister of Finance, @ZShamsuna and her team, I disclosed that @HouseNGR is considering a second Stimulus Bill that will provide Nigerians with free electricity supply for two months to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic pic.twitter.com/qVMQfJA3Ws
— Femi Gbajabiamila (@femigbaja) April 4, 2020
He stated that the bill, which will be considered by the House of Representatives immediately after the break, will boost the economy through the informal sector and benefit all Nigerians.
The proposed Bill will boost the economy through the informal sector and is to be considered immediately @HouseNGR reconvenes from its ongoing break.
The House leadership had engaged the Discos in the last few days to work out the details. pic.twitter.com/ssMmIjlVFO
— Femi Gbajabiamila (@femigbaja) April 4, 2020
The proposed Stimulus Bill, which will be the second to be considered by the Green Chamber, is to be tabled immediately the House reconvenes from its ongoing break, declared due to the pandemic, he noted.
The resumption date of the National Assembly, earlier slated for April 7, was extended by one week in compliance with the government’s 2-week stay-at-home policy.
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Why is this necessary
Explaining the necessity for the proposed stimulus bill during the meeting, the Speaker said electricity, being a commodity consumed by every household, has a greater effect on the people and that since more Nigerians are in the informal sector, the effects would be more felt by the economy.
“It is one thing that will touch every household. As I said earlier, when we engaged, I discussed with the electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) that packaged whatever they would require, if the government can give them, for us to allow for two months free electricity for Nigerians, they would be able to guarantee it.
“When you are saving people their electricity and the fact that they now have stable electricity for two months, you are also saving the monies that would go into the payment of those bills at least for two months.”
The task force headed by the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmad, met with the National assembly on Saturday, the second time in 10 days, to discuss more stimulus packages for Nigerians.
You are doing a great job by encouraging and motivating young people to bring their dreams to reality. Of a truth you are making an ample contribution to the nation. Is a labour of love. May GOD reward you richly. I will love to know you better.
Dey said no payment of nepa bill for 3 months,due to Corona virus ,but nepa people are collecting nepa money here at 1st gate jakonda lekki lagos
2 months,
NEPA are still collecting money from us oooo.