Just in:House of Reps seek 2-months free power supply to Nigerians

Members of the House of Representatives are set to consider a fresh Stimulus Bill that will enable Nigerians get free electricity supply for two months to lessen the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Speaker of the House of Reps, Femi Gbajabiamila, in a statement issued on Saturday, stated that the proposed Bill will help in boosting the economy through the informal sector , as the country prepares for economic rebound after the coronavirus.

According to him, the second “Stimulus Bill” would be considered immediately, after the House reconvened from its ongoing break, which was declared due to the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly leadership says the resumption date which had initially been scheduled for April 7, will be extended by one week in compliance with the government’s two-week stay-at-home policy.

Sen. Ahmad Lawan(Senate President)

Gbajabiamila disclosed during a meeting between the National Assembly leadership and the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmad, the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Ben Akabueze, among others.

“It is one thing that will touch every household. As I said earlier, before we started, I discussed with the electricity distribution companies to give breakdown of what 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.”

He assured Nigerians that the parliament would perform its constitutional roles towards ensuring that all can benefit from the efforts aimed at lessening the effects of the disease.

“The issue of electricity, you’ll agree, because the Minister did say that she has been inundated by the public, just as we are, on several suggestions and ideas and I am almost a hundred percent sure that, from those ideas will be the issue of some kind of shelter, as far as electricity is concerned.

“Since, we have the figures. I think we should look very seriously into that as part of our package for economic stimulus, because stimulus means something that will stimulate the economy. When you are stimulating the economy, most of it will come from the informal sector.

On the need by the Executive arm to source for funds in the fight against coronavirus and its socio-economic effects, the Speaker restated the determination of the National Assembly to partner the Executive in efforts aimed at lessening the effects of the disease on Nigerians and the economy.

He, however, noted that all government funds and private donations must be well  accounted for.

“I’m glad that my earlier discussion with the Honourable Minister on food and other items seized by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has been taken care of, as stated by the Minister.

“That is why we in the House have directed our committees on Health, Disaster Management and Preparedness and Donor Agencies to talk to the Presidential Task Force, talk to the Minister of Health and the Central Bank of Nigeria,” he said

Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila(Speaker House Of Reps)

"Now, it is incumbent on the National Assembly to follow the money. Constitutionally, any money that comes into Nigeria, there has to be supervision.

Gbajabiamila also urged the Finance Minister and her team to consider all possibility put forward by experts on preparation against the economic effects of the coronavirus outbreak.

Previously, the Minister for Finance, said among other measures, the establishment of a N500bn Covid-19 Crisis Intervention Fund is on the table.

She said the money is expected to be raised from various Special Funds and Accounts in consultation with and with the approval of the National Assembly.

The intervention fund will be utilised to finance the Federal Government’s support to state in improving their healthcare facilities and also finance the creation of a Special Public Works Programme.

She also explained the reason to revisit the 2020 national budget has become imperative, saying, “It has been established that Nigeria is currently facing significant fiscal risks due to the worsening global economic outlook.

“Specifically, Nigeria is highly vulnerable to the current global economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 crisis; and exposed to the risks of both a pronounced decline in oil prices and spikes in risk aversion in the global capital markets.”

How do u see this Bill that the House of Reps want to pass?

Do you think Nigerians will like this Bill they want to passed??

What's your opinion on this issue??

Do well to drop your comment below!!!