A bill to ban the importation and use of generating sets in the country passed the first reading at the Senate today.
This is coming months after the upper legislative chamber rejected a temporary ban of importing generating sets into the country.
The bill sponsored by Bima Enagi representing Niger South at the red chamber prescribes, at least, ten years imprisonment for any person who knowingly sells generator sets.
Titled “a bill for an Act to prohibit/ban the importation of generating sets to curb the menace of environmental (air) pollution and to facilitate the development of the power sector,” further directs “all persons to stop the use of electricity generating sets which run on diesel/petroI/kerosene of all capacities with immediate effect, in the country.”
The ban shall not include generator sets used for essential services in medical facilities, airports, elevators, escalators, railways and research institutions.
“Approval for exclusion shall, however, be obtained from the Minister in charge of Power, who shall brief the Federal Executive Council quarterly on approvals granted,” it added.
Lawmakers are expected to debate details of the bill on another legislative day.
