Sam Ikeotuonye
Abuja — The House of Representatives on Wednesday adopted a motion directing all power distribution companies, or DisCos, in the country to undergo recapitalisation of not less than N500 billion.
Speaking following the adoption of the motion, titled “Need to Address the Activities of Distribution Companies in Nigeria,” the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, charged that only the DisCos with the required financial capacity should be allowed to continue to operate in the country.
The motion was sponsored by Ayokunle Isiaka (APC – Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency, Ogun State).
“The House notes that Nigerian consumers paid for electricity meter installation, but DisCos are demanding additional payments for the replacement of these meters under dubious pretences, undermining consumer trust and exacerbating financial burdens,” he said.
“The House is concerned that consumers are being coerced into paying for meters they have already financed, putting additional financial strain on households and businesses already facing economic challenges,” Hon. Isiaka stated as he urged his colleagues to support the motion.
The lawmaker noted that in spite of the necessary regulatory oversight by the House Committee on Power, the power distribution companies had continued to operate with impunity and in disregard of consumer rights.
He maintained that despite that Nigerians have paid for and acquired electricity meters, the DisCos are still demanding additional payments by consumers for the replacement of the meters.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House directed the Federal Ministry of Power to declare DisCos as non-state actors and to take actions at addressing their reckless activities.
The House Committee on Power was directed to investigate the activities of the DisCos so as to hold them accountable and to ensure the upholding of consumer rights. The committee is also to carry out awareness campaigns on consumers rights and oversight the implementation of regulations governing the operations of the DisCos with a view to ensuring fairness in the DisCos’ dealings with power consumers.
