Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) say they are in support of the call by Nigerians for free electricity supply to all Nigerians for two months, in the wake of the outbreak of the coronavirus in the country.
President Muhammadu Buhari had last week imposed restriction of movements in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos and Ogun states as part of measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
Several state governors have also imposed similar restrictions in their states.
The measures have led to calls by Nigerians for palliatives from the Federal Government to mitigate the effects of the lock down on consumers across the country.
The DisCos in a statement issued by its umbrella body, the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), signed Executive Director (Research & Advocacy), Barr Sunday Oduntan on Wednesday in Abuja acknowledged the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) “on the economic and daily lives of our customers”.
Oduntan said the utilities were ready to support government’s efforts aimed at mitigating the impact of the pandemic on Nigerians.
According to him, “In fulfilment 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.
“We commend the Federal Legislators, the Executive arm and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for their initiative and we are committed to working with them to ensure more efficient power supply within this difficult period, as the nation battles with the ravages of COVID-19.
“We are also completely aligned with the plans to ensure palliative measures, including free electricity supply to all Nigerians for two months, to make life easier, during the lockdown period. Details of implementation to come soon.
“Again, as a key utility player in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), we hereby reiterate our commitment to improving service delivery to the nation during this pandemic period and thereafter”, he added.
