Nigerian Senate Set to Ban Power Generators ..Bill passes first reading

A bill  to ban the importation and use of generating set (generator) has passed first reading in the Nigerian Senate.

The proposed legislation titled: 'Generating Set (Prohibition/Ban) Bill 2020 is sponsored by Senator Muhammad Bima from Niger state.

Read below what the bill says: a 'bill for an act to prohibit/ban the importation/use of generating sets to curb the menace of environmental (air) pollution and to facilitate the development of the power sector.

Any person who

a) Imports generating sets; or

(b) 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.

Provided that this subsection shall not apply to the importation or sale of any generating set to be used for essential services.

Ban Excludes Essential services

(3) The ban/prohibition of generating sets shall not include generating sets used for essential services which include:

(i) Medical purposes (hospitals and nursing homes and healthcare facilities), (ii) Airports,

(iii) Railway stations/services,

(iv) Elevators (lifts)

(v) Escalators,

(vi) Research Institutions, and

(-vii) such facilities that require 24 hours of electric power supply:

(b) Approval for exclusion shall be obtained from the Minister in charge of Power who shall brief the Federal Executive Council quarterly on approvals granted.

Ban on Use

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.

Meaning of Generating Sets In this “Bill” generating set (Generator) means A machine that is used for producing electricity.

Short Title
This Bill may be cited as the Generating Sets (Prohibition/Ban) Bill, 2020.

Explanatory Memorandum

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.

Curiously, Nigerians, including President Muhammadu Buhari and occupants of Aso Rock Villa, depend on generators for power as shortage of power is one of the biggest issue in Nigeria for an economy that is dependent on oil exports.

The country presently generates 3000 MW (fluctuating) despite enormous resources that have been committed to the power sector.

Additional report from THEWILL