Stakeholders caution against multiplicity of taxes, levies on electricity

Nigerian power sector Stakeholders have cautioned against multiplicity of taxes and levies in the electricity industry, stressing that it negates the objective & targets of the power sector reforms agenda.

The stakeholders are also asking the National Assembly, to allow the state Legislatures make laws concerning electricity development & distribution within their state jurisdictions.

These were major highlights of the  submissions made by the stakeholders on Monday, during the opening of Senate public hearing on the Electricity Bill, 2022.

Besides the positions canvassed by the stakeholders, the Federal government is also asking the Lawmakers to fast track legislation geared towards establishing fully, the National Power Training Institute.

According to the Minister of Power, Engineer Abubakar Aliyu who presented the Federal government’s position, the training institute when backed by Law, would help to develop requisite manpower for the industry’s optimal performance, without limitations.

Engineer Aliyu also applauded the inclusion of the Rural Electrification & Renewable Energy Agency, as one of the innovations in the new piece of Legislation which would help drive the reform process.

The stakeholders who attended the public hearing include the Academy of Engineering, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Bureau of Public Enterprises, Rural Electrification Agency, the Electricity Generation Companies, & Distribution Companies, among others.

The two day public hearing scheduled to end this Tuesday, focuses on the Electricity Bill, 2022, which seeks to repeal the Power Sector Reforms Act, 2005, & consolidate other Laws relating to the electricity sector in Nigeria.

Ime N