…Proposed law seeks to criminalize arbitrary billing system in Nigeria
From LEKAN BAKARE, Ilorin
The Kwara State House of Assembly in North-Central Nigeria, has urged the National Assembly, to expedite action on the passage of a bill criminalising arbitrary billing system in the country.
The House made the call in its Thursday’s sitting, while considering a report titled “Total Shut Down of Electricity Supply in Offa and Some parts of Oyun Local Government Area of the State”.
The Speaker, Dr. Ali Ahmad, while reading the resolutions of the House, on the report presented by the Chairman, House Committee on Energy, Works and Transport, Hon. Mathew Babaoye, expressed confidence that the passage of the Bill, would go along way to curb sharp practices in the energy sector.
Dr. Ahmad said that unless there was a political will to address the problems in the sector, the challenges bedevilling the nation would persist as the buyers of the nation’s energy Companies were not willing to invest in the sector.
The House urged Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company to always ensure that estimated billings given to consumers in Offa and its environs commensurate with the power supply to the community.
The Legislature, which appealed to leaders of Offa Community, not to quit IBEDC service, urged IBEDC to always observe regular maintenance of its equipment for better service delivery.
The House equally enjoined the state government to direct the Ministry of Energy to liaise with IBEDC head office in opening business hub in Offa, to ensure accessibility.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Mathew Babaoye, had observed among other things, that there were arbitrary billings for consumers in Offa, while power supply, to the community, was only 4 to 5 hours per day,pointing out that the problem had been lingering for long.
Meanwhile, the House Leader, Hon. Hassan Oyeleke has on behalf of the people of Offa,commended the House for its prompt response to the lingering problem,saying that its prompt response had restored power supply to the area.