Senate to ban use of generator, importers, sellers to bag 10 years imprisonment

On Wednesday, the Nigerian Senate introduced a bill to ban the use and sale of electricity generating sets commonly “called generator” in Nigeria.

The bill passed its first reading at plenary and it proposes 10 years imprisonment for importers and sellers.

The bill entitled which was sponsored by Senator Enagi Bima (APC-Niger) stated that: “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 development of power sector.”

The bill also stated that: “Any person who imports generating sets; or 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 10 years.

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

“The ban or prohibition of generating sets shall not include generating sets used for essential services which include Medical purposes (hospitals and nursing homes and healthcare facilities), airports, railway stations/services, elevators (lifts), escalators, research Institutions, and such facilities that require 24 hours electric power supply.”

“Approval for exclusion shall be obtained from the Minister in charge of Power who shall brief the Federal Executive Council quarterly on approvals granted,” the bill added.

“The bill further seeks that Nigerians should immediately stop the use of generating sets in order to curb the menace of environmental pollution, which leads to potential health hazards it poses to the whole nation.

“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,” it said.

The bill also explained the meaning of generating sets, stated that, “a machine that is used for producing electricity”.