The House of Representatives has said that it is proposing a second Stimulus Bill that will have Nigerians enjoy two months free electricity.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila disclosed this today in a meeting with the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, the principal officers of the National Assembly, the Minister of Finance, Zainab Shamsuna and the Director Genenral Budget Office, Ben Akabueze as part of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It is one thing that will touch every household. As I said earlier, when we engaged, I discussed with the electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to propose what it would require if the government can give them for us to allow for two months free electricity for Nigerians.”
The proposed Bill, which will be the second Stimulus Bill by the Green Chamber, is to be considered immediately the House reconvenes from its ongoing break, declared due to the pandemic.
The leadership of the National Assembly, however, extended the resumption date initially slated for April 7, 2020 by one week in compliance with government’s 2-week stay-at-home policy.
On the need by the Executive arm to source for funds in the fight against coronavirus and its socio-economic effects, the Speaker reiterated the need for oversight.
He called for transparency in the disbursement of government funds and private donations in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic.
“There has to be collaboration. It cannot be a unilateral decision from the National Assembly; it can’t be a unilateral decision from the Executive; there has to be collaboration. I’m glad that we are on that trajectory.
“That is why, we in the House have directed our Committees on Health, Disaster Management and Preparedness and Donor Agencies to talk to the PTF, talk to the Minister of Health and the Central Bank of Nigeria”, the Speaker said.
Earlier, the Minister for Finance, said among other measures, the establishment of N500 billion COVID-19 Crisis Intervention Fund is on the table.
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