A bill for an act to ban and criminalise the importation, selling and usage of generators in Nigeria has passed first reading on the floor of the Senate.
The bill sponsored by Senator Birma Enagi from Niger State which passed first reading on Wednesday, prescribes 10 year-jail term for importers and sellers of generators.
According to Enagi, the aim of the proposed bill is to check environmental pollution and to facilitate the development of the power sector.
The bill titled ‘Generating Set (Prohibition/Ban) Bill 2020’, specifically states, “Any person who imports generators or knowingly sells generators shall be guilty of an offence and be liable on conviction to be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not less than 10 years.”
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However, the bill exempts importers and sellers of generators meant to power essential services.
The exemption includes generators meant to serve medical purposes in hospitals and nursing homes and healthcare facilities.
Airports, railway stations, elevators, escalators, research institutions, and such facilities that require 24-hours electric power supply are also exempted.
It further states that approval for exclusion shall be obtained from the Minister in charge of Power who shall brief the Federal Executive Council quarterly on approvals granted
