Reps pass Power sector reform bill through 2nd reading

The House of House of Representatives on Wednesday passed through second reading a Bill for an Act to amend the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, No. 6, 2005 to prohibit theft of electricity, theft, and destruction of electricity supply, infrastructure and prescribe appropriate penalties for violation and for related matters.

The bill which was transmitted to the House for concurrence was sponsored by Hon. Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno).

In leading the debate, Hon. Monguno stated that the Bill was transmitted from the Senate seeking concurrence and it aims to criminalize, punish and discourage the theft of power lines and cables, as well as other electrical appliances.

According to him, the Bill seeks to protect the huge investments of the Power Organizations and prevent economic sabotage by unpatriotic individuals, as well as ensuring Power Transmission is developed for the benefits of the citizenry.

Also speaking in favour of the bill, Hon. Ali Wudil observed that the bill seeks the modernization of the Power Sector and help the generation, transmission, and distribution of power.

On his part, Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai (PDP-Delta) warned that the Civil Defense Act which empowers the Corp to protect National Infrastructure would be contravened by adopting the proposed Bill, empowering someone else would conflict the Act, he, however, praised the spirit and aim of the Bill.

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While ruling, Speaker Yakubu Dogara referred to the Committee of the Whole.

Also at plenary, the House passed through third reading a Bill for an Act to repeal the Prisons Act, Cap. P29, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and enact the Nigerian Correctional Service Bill to provide for the Administration of Prisons and Non-Custodial Measures in Nigeria and for related matters.

The bill was passed Hon Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno) moved that the bill should be passed through third reading.

In the same vein, the Green Chamber passed through Third reading, a Bill for an Act to provide for the Domestication and Enforcement in Nigeria of the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of South Korea.

Also, the House passed through Third reading a Bill for an Act to, among other things, prohibit the use, manufacture and importation of all plastic bags used for commercial and household packaging in order to address their harmful impacts on the Oceans, Rivers, Lakes, Forests, Environment, Wildlife as well as Human Beings and also to relieve pressure on Landfills and Waste Management.

Similarly, a Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Agency, to institute the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme for all Residents of the Federal Capital Territory and for related matters scaled through Third Reading on the floor of the House.

All these Bills are expected to be transmitted to the Presidency for assent.