Nigerian Senate has called for capital punishment for individuals involved in the vandalism of electrical equipment across the country.
The suggestion was made during deliberations on a bill sponsored by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South.
Presenting the bill at the Senate plenary on Wednesday, Senator Abaribe explained that the primary objective of the bill is to address key challenges that have arisen since the implementation of the Electricity Act, 2023.
He Specifically said the Bill seeks to introduce provisions that would enhance policy and regulatory coordination between national and sub national governments to avoid legal disputes and inconsistencies.
He added that if amended, the bill would also Strengthen sectoral financing in the face of crippling sector debt crisis: Criminalise critical electricity infrastructure vandalism in the face of the rising wave of recurrent sabotage by vandals.
Abaribe also said the bill would foster industrial relations in the sector by balancing labour rights in the context of essential services as recognized by domestic and International best labour practices and Instruments.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe further argued that With pervasive operational constraints across the power value chain and crippling debt crisis running into trillions of Naira, the Nigerian power sector is hanging on a cliff and requires immediate and drastic action to rescue it from total collapse and this Bill should therefore be seen as part of the broader efforts to salvage the power sector from imminent collapse.
He explained that the Bill contains of several proposals encapsulated in 28 clauses. “Most fundamentally, clause 2 seeks to amend Section 2 of the Principal Act to avoid potential constitutional disputes.”
The lawmaker further said this Bill should be seen as part of the required legislative Interventions to support the reform measures needed to reposition the NESI for optimal performance.
“Permit me to add that the Electricity Act, 2023 being an extant law Is subject to periodic amendments as the need arises to accommodate Industrial agencies in compliance with Standing Order 76 (3) of the Senate Standing Order 2023 as amended.”
Cov/Bashir M
