Nigerians React As Bill To Ban Generators Passes First Reading

Generating Set

A bill seeking to ban the importation and use of generators in the country has scaled its first reading in the
Senate.

The proposed legislation passed the first reading after it was introduced to lawmakers present at Wednesday’s plenary in the upper chamber of the National Assembly in Abuja.

Senator Muhammad Bima, a member of the Senate from Niger State, sponsored the bill which was titled ‘Generating Set (Prohibition/Ban) Bill, 2020.’

The bill reads in part that;
“Anybody 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.

“All persons are hereby directed to stop the use of electricity generating sets which run on diesel/petrol/kerosene of all capacities with immediate effect in the country.

“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.

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“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.”

The bill allowed the use of Generators for services which include:

– Medical purposes (hospitals and nursing homes and healthcare facilities).
– Airports. – Research Institutions
– Elevators (lifts).
– Escalators.
– Railway stations/services.
– Facilities that require 24 hours electric power supply.

Well most Nigerians have taken to the micro-blogging platform to mock the Senate for being preposterous enough to want to place a ban on generating sets when there is no power supply in almost all parts of the country.

Many asked if they had other plans put in place to ensure constant power supply before attempting to ban generating sets.

Here are some of the reactions;