The proposal of a bill by the House of Representatives for free electricity supply in Nigeria for two months during the Coronavirus pandemic has been announced.
The Speaker of the House stated that the bill aims to aid the economy, particularly the informal sector, in the wake of the pandemic. The proposed bill, which will be the second stimulus bill, will be deliberated upon once the House reconvenes.
The Speaker made the announcement during a meeting at the National Assembly with the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmad, and the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Ben Akabueze.
The Speaker emphasized the importance of the proposed electricity stimulus bill, stating that its impact on Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector, would significantly influence the economy. He suggested that providing two months of free electricity for Nigerians could serve as a critical component of the economic stimulus package.
The mention of a discussion with electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos), showcasing their willingness to participate in the initiative, was also made. This initiative is intended to mitigate the financial burden on households and contribute to the economic stimulus effort.