The 11 Distribution Company, DISCOs, on Thursday disclosed that the National Assembly and the Federal Government would pay for the two-month free electricity to Nigerian households as announced last Wednesday.
While speaking through their umbrella body, the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, ANED, the DISCOs said, “We are aligning with the National Assembly and Federal Government’s efforts to provide free electricity for two months as a palliative for the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nigerian electricity consumers.”
According to the Executive Director, ANED, Sunday Oduntan, “The energy to be supplied for the two months is not free from the Discos but is being paid for by the Federal Government in partnership with the National Assembly.
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“As such, the ability for the Discos to go forward is subject to the stimulus package being passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by Mr President.
“While this palliative seeks to mitigate the economic challenges that Nigerians are being subjected to during this COVID-19 period, it is our hope that we do not lose sight of the no-cost reflective tariff challenges that the Discos continue to suffer under.”
Oduntan said the clarification was due to questions that had arisen around how the cost would be absorbed by the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
On when customers would start enjoying the free electricity, Oduntan said, “Not known until the National Assembly finish their discussion with the Federal Government.”
