A bill to criminalize the importaty, the sale and use of generators in Nigeria expanded first reading in the Senate chamber on Wednesday.

The bill sponsored by Senator Birma Enagi of the State of Niger provides for a 10-year prison sentence for importers and sellers of generators.

The bill is approaching the country's energy crisis, as most of the country experiences an irregular energy supply.

The sponsor said that the essence of the proposed legislation was to limit the threat of environmental pollution and facilitate the development of the electricity sector.

The bill specifies: "Any person who imports generators or who sells them knowingly will be guilty of an offense and will be liable to a prison term of at least 10 years".

However, the bill excluded importers and sellers of generators intended to provide essential services.

The exemption includes generators for medical purposes in hospitals, nursing homes and health centers.

Airports, railway stations, elevators, escalators, research institutes and facilities that require 24-hour power supply are also exempt.

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said, however, that the proponent of the bill has failed to grasp the reality of the country's power situation.

Therefore, he described the proposal as unrealistic.

LCCI Director General Dr Muda Yusuf, speaking with one of our correspondents, noted that the heavy dependence of Nigerians on electricity generators was a direct consequence of the failure of the electricity sector.
He said energy shortages were Nigeria's biggest challenge as a country, as they greatly affected the well-being of businesses and people.

Yusuf said that what Nigerians expected from lawmakers was a proposal on how to urgently resolve the electricity problem, not the restriction on the import of generators.

He said: “The proposal is not realistic. It does not show that its promoter is in contact with the reality of the power situation.

"Is it the fault of Nigerians to have to rely on generators for electricity?"

Yusuf added that the heavy dependence on generators was a direct consequence of the failure of the electricity sector.

http://thegethow..com/2020/03/10-year-jail-terms-for-generator.html

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