Epileptic power supply in the country may worsen as the Senate, on Wednesday, commenced a process of banning the sale and use of generating sets.
In Nigeria, businesses, households, schools, hospitals, churches, mosques and others depend on generating sets for power.
The move to criminalise the use of generating sets followed the first reading of a Bill titled: “Generating Set (Prohibition/Ban Bill, 2020” sponsored by Senator Mohammed Enagi Birma (Niger South Senatorial District), by the upper chamber.
According to the Explanatory Memorandum of the Bill: “This Bill seeks to ban the importation and use of generating sets (generators) in the country and to curb the menace of environmental pollution which leads to potential health hazards it poses to the whole nation.”
Also, according to the objectives of the Bill, violators of the proposed law risk imprisonment for 10 years on conviction.
The Bill, however, excluded acquisition of generating sets for essential services.
“Any person who imports generating sets or knowingly sells generating sets shall be guilty of an offence and be liable on conviction to be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not less than ten years.
“Provided that this subsection shall not apply to the importation or sale of any generating set to be used for essential services.
“Ban excludes essential services: (a) The ban/prohibition of generating sets shall not include generating sets used for essential services which include:
“Medical purposes (hospitals and nursing homes and healthcare facilities), Airports, Railway stations/services, Elevators (lifts), Escalators, Research Institutions, and such facilities that require 24 hours electric power supply.”
The Bill said that those seeking to use generating sets after the law comes into effect, must obtain approval from the Minister of Power.
The Bill added that the Minister of Power shall brief the Federal Executive Council quarterly on approvals granted.
“Approval for exclusion shall be obtained from the Minister in charge of Power who shall brief the Federal Executive Council quarterly on approvals granted,” the Bill said.
