Dogara decries N1.8 trillion annual expenditure on electricity generating sets

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, yesterday decried the yearly expenditure of  $5 billion, approximately N1.8 trillion for the procurement of generators in the country.

At a public hearing on the three bills aimed at repositioning the power sector, he assured that the House would support the executive arm to find a permanent solution to the power problem in Nigeria.

The speaker disclosed that the House is reviewing some of the country’s energy laws in order to provide an appropriate legal framework that would facilitate the exploitation of renewable energy to the benefit of the economy.

Dogara emphasised the need to explore the vast potentials in renewable energy to complement other power sources based on the fact that it is a clean energy, which is environmentally friendly.

According to him, “Power is arguably the most important driver of the national economy. Indeed, it is difficult if not impossible to imagine modern life without power. Our industries and factories need electricity to run; and so do our offices, homes and businesses.

“It is estimated that Nigerians spend about $5 billion yearly to fuel their generators. This is an unacceptable situation and the House of Representatives stands ready to support the Executive arm of government to put a stop to this state of affairs.

“Renewable energy is a source of clean energy, which is environmentally friendly and is crucial to the economy of the future. We can only be self-sufficient in the energy field when we combine all of our energy resources such as wind, solar, hydro, biomass, bio-fuel, landfill, sewage gas, solid waste, geothermal energy and ocean energy.‘’

The bills comprise a bill for an act to provide for the utilisation, sustainability and adequate supply of renewable energy for electricity and heat generation and for other related matters; a bill for an act to amend the National Electricity Regulatory Commission metre reading, billing and cash collection and credit management for electricity supplies and regulations to address matters relating to outstanding liability of electric bills in rented apartments; and a bill for an act to amend the electric power sector reform act to reposition the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission for effective service delivery and for related matters.

Meanwhile, the House yesterday adjourned plenary session in honour of their colleague, Abdullahi Mohammed Wamakko, who died on Friday at the age of 50.

The late Wamakko represented Kware/Wamakko Constituency, Sokoto State and until his death, was serving his first term in the lower legislative chamber.

Members eulogized the fallen lawmaker, describing him as a team member.

The Speaker recalled that the late Wamakko was a patriotic, committed, peace-loving and hardworking lawmaker who gave his best for the service of his people and said the House will greatly miss him.

The House similarly set up a committee to condole the family.