Reps invites minister, others over epileptic power supply

The House of Representatives on Thursday, June 2, 2016 invited the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, the National Electricity and Regulatory Commission (NERC) and other stakeholders to a hearing to discuss and proffer solutions to the epileptic power supply being experienced across the nation.

The resolution of the House was sequel to a motion on urgent matters of public importance entitled "Urgent need to address the epileptic electricity supply across the nation" sponsored by Johnson Agbonayinma.

READ: Fashola: ‘I never promised to deliver constant power in 6 months,’ Minister says

The lawmaker said the privatisation of the power sector has failed to bring about positive impact to the Nigerian people.

"What we are seeing today in electricity supplies is comatose. When the federal government had the distribution and generation companies light was more constant than what Nigerians are experiencing today," Agbonayinma said.

He worried that the private sector which inherited over 4,000 megawatts when it was being operated by the federal government is at present battling with less than 1,500 megawatts, a situation which has putting the whole country in darkness.

READ: Fashola: 'Increase in electricity tariff unavoidable' - Minister says

According to him, with the increase in petrol prices, soaring rise in food items, the non availability of electricity has further increased the hardship of Nigerians.

The House adopted the motion after it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker Yakubu Dogara.