FG dashes Nigerians’ hope on 2 months free electricity supply

By ADETOLA BADEMOSI, Abuja

As controversies continue to trail the proposed bill on two-month free electricity supply to Nigerians, as a palliative to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nigerians, the Federal Government, on Friday, said it was yet to take a decision on the proposal.

The Speaker, House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila had, days ago, disclosed that the lower chamber was considering a stimulus bill that would allow Nigerians to enjoy free electricity supply for two months.

Also, the electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) had supported the move but gave conditions for the implementation of the bill if assented to by President Muhammadu Buhar

Part of the conditions is that the energy to be supplied for the stipulated period would be paid for, by the Federal Government, in partnership with the National Assembly.

Similarly, the Office of the Minister of Power in a terse statement via its Twitter handle said it was yet to decide on the proposal.

The minister wrote: “Please Note: NO DECISION has been taken by the Federal Government to provide Nigerians with FREE ELECTRICITY for 2 months.”

However, it stressed that in the case where it reached a decision, this would be made public.

” If and when that becomes a reality, it shall be announced officially. Be rest assured that FG is exploring ways to ameliorate any hardship on Nigerians,” it said.

Meanwhile, the President of Ghana, Akufo Addo, in his 6th COVID-19 address on Thursday, announced that the government will absorb 50 per cent of the electricity bill for residential and commercial users in the country.

He said electricity bills for the very poor will be fully absorbed by the government while the 50 per cent slash will go for other consumers.

“We have decided on further mitigating the impact for all Ghanaians for the next three months, April, May and June, Government will fully absorb electricity bills for the poorest of the poor that is for all lifeline consumers.

“That is free electricity for persons who consume 0-50 kilowatts hours a month for this period, in addition for all other consumers, residential and commercial government will absorb 50% of your electricity bill for this period using your March 2020 bill as your benchmark.” (Nigerian Tribune)