Nigeria to Enjoy 2 Months Free Electricity

Femi Ashekun/

Power distribution companies have expressed their readiness to implement the proposal by the National Assembly and the executive arm of government that Nigerians should get two months of free electricity.

The Discos, who made their position known through their umbrella body, the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), said modalities for the free power would be worked on and made public in due course.

The Executive Director of ANED, Sunday Oduntan, said in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday that the decision was in recognition of the challenging effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the economic and daily lives of the customers.

“We are also completely aligned with the plans to ensure palliative measures, including free electricity supply to all Nigerians for two months, to make life easier, during the lockdown period. Details of implementation to come soon,” the statement says.

Oduntan also said the initiative is a fulfilment of the DisCos’ commitments to the nation as they align themselves with the efforts of the National Assembly and the Federal Executive to mitigate the hardships that are currently being borne by their customers and Nigerian citizens.

The DisCos commended the lawmakers, the Executive arm and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for their initiative adding that they are committed to working with them to ensure more efficient power supply within the difficult period.

The power firms also reiterated their commitments to improving service delivery to the nation during this COVID-19 pandemic period and thereafter as they advised their customers to stay at home and stay safe.