Nigerians Could Get Free Electricity Supply for 2 Months Courtesy of DisCos, NERC and the National Assembly

As part of measures to reduce the negative effects of COVID-19 outbreak in the country, Electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) have announced that they are working on plans to grant customers free electricity supply for two months.

This was made known in an announcement by the Executive Director, Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), Sunday Oduntan. He said. “The Electricity Distribution Companies recognize the challenging effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the economic and daily lives of our customers.”

“In fulfilment of our commitments to the nation, we hereby align ourselves with the efforts of the National Assembly and the Federal Executive to mitigate the hardships that are currently being borne by our customers and other citizens all over the country.

Sunday Oduntan, Executive Director of Association Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED)

The initiative was put together by Federal legislators, the Executive arm of Government and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

While it is common knowledge that power supply in the country remains pretty much erratic, the ANED director went on to say that the DisCos would work towards improving service delivery during the lockdown, and afterward.

The modalities of the free electricity supply is still being hashed out and will be made known to the public at the earliest possible time.

The Covid-19 outbreak has taken its toll on different sectors in the country’s economy. Generally, the spending power of most people has been reduced drastically, with more people being laid off jobs or settling for salary reduction as a way to cope with the effect on the economy.

Various measures have been put in place by different players to buffer the harsh realities of the crisis as much as possible. Part of the measures is the move of some governments to provide foodstuffs to help people survive during the lockdown.

There are also monetary donations by business organizations such as the United Bank of Africa, Access Bank, as well as individuals like Jack Ma who donated healthcare equipments to help battle the COVID-19.

With people staying at home now more than usual, having steady and free electricity is a move that the public will appreciate. This is because electricity supply makes a lot of things possible including working steadily and keeping children occupied with meaningful entertainment.

The Federal government has however denied that it has concluded any plans to give Nigerians free electricity for 3 months. According to the Office of the Federal Minister of Power, no decision has been reached on the matter.

“No decision has been taken by the Federal Government to provide Nigerians with Free electricity for 2 months,” the Ministry said. “If and when that becomes a reality, it shall be announced officially.”

The ministry also assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is exploring ways to ameliorate any hardship on Nigerians occasioned by the Covid-19 lockdown.