$5B spent on generators annually unacceptable ―Dogara

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, has
said it is unacceptable that Nigerians spend 5 billion dollars on
generators annually, saying the House of Representatives will
support the Executive to find a permanent solution to the power
problem in Nigeria.

Dogara spoke during public hearing organised by House committee
on power on three bills; “A Bill for an Act to provide for the
utilisation, sustainability and adequate supply of renewable energy
for electricity and heat generation and for other related
matters.

” A Bill for an act to amend the National Electricity Regulatory
Commission metre reading, billing and cash collection and credit
management for electricity supplies and regulations to address
matters relating to outstanding liability of electric bills in
rented apartments.

“A Bill for an Act to amend the Electric Power Sector Reform Act
to reposition the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission for
effective service delivery and for related matters”.

He also explained that the House is reviewing some of Nigeria’s
energy laws in order to provide an appropriate legal framework that
will facilitate the exploitation of renewable energy to the benefit
the Nigerian economy.

According to him, “Power is arguably the single most important
driver of the national economy. Indeed, it is difficult if not
impossible to imagine modern life without power. Our industries and
factories need electricity to run; and so do our offices, homes and
businesses.

“It is estimated that Nigerians spend about $5 billion US
Dollars yearly to fuel their generators. This is an unacceptable
situation and the House of Representatives stands ready to support
the Executive arm of government to put a stop to this state of
affairs.

“Renewable energy is a source of clean energy which is
environmentally friendly and is crucial to the economy of the
future. We can only be self-sufficient in the energy field when we
combine all of our energy resources such as wind, solar, hydro,
biomass, bio-fuel, landfill, sewage gas, solid waste, geothermal
energy, ocean energy etc. Renewable energy sources are natural and
often replenish itself. Nigeria needs to invest more in renewable
energy as fossil fuel is a diminishing asset.

“An appropriate legal framework to exploit renewable energy
which is nature’s gift to mankind is not adequate in Nigeria. This
makes it difficult to organise the sector in a commercially viable
matter. Herein lies the merit and strength of this Bill under
consideration,” the Speaker said.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, has
said it is unacceptable that Nigerians spend 5 billion dollars on
generators annually, saying the House of Representatives will
support the Executive to find a permanent solution to the power
problem in Nigeria.

Dogara spoke during public hearing organised by House committee
on power on three bills; “A Bill for an Act to provide for the
utilisation, sustainability and adequate supply of renewable energy
for electricity and heat generation and for other related
matters.

” A Bill for an act to amend the National Electricity Regulatory
Commission metre reading, billing and cash collection and credit
management for electricity supplies and regulations to address
matters relating to outstanding liability of electric bills in
rented apartments.

“A Bill for an Act to amend the Electric Power Sector Reform Act
to reposition the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission for
effective service delivery and for related matters”.

He also explained that the House is reviewing some of Nigeria’s
energy laws in order to provide an appropriate legal framework that
will facilitate the exploitation of renewable energy to the benefit
the Nigerian economy.

According to him, “Power is arguably the single most important
driver of the national economy. Indeed, it is difficult if not
impossible to imagine modern life without power. Our industries and
factories need electricity to run; and so do our offices, homes and
businesses.

“It is estimated that Nigerians spend about $5 billion US
Dollars yearly to fuel their generators. This is an unacceptable
situation and the House of Representatives stands ready to support
the Executive arm of government to put a stop to this state of
affairs.

“Renewable energy is a source of clean energy which is
environmentally friendly and is crucial to the economy of the
future. We can only be self-sufficient in the energy field when we
combine all of our energy resources such as wind, solar, hydro,
biomass, bio-fuel, landfill, sewage gas, solid waste, geothermal
energy, ocean energy etc. Renewable energy sources are natural and
often replenish itself. Nigeria needs to invest more in renewable
energy as fossil fuel is a diminishing asset.

“An appropriate legal framework to exploit renewable energy
which is nature’s gift to mankind is not adequate in Nigeria. This
makes it difficult to organise the sector in a commercially viable
matter. Herein lies the merit and strength of this Bill under
consideration,” the Speaker said.