Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State and ministerial nominee, has suggested rigorous regulations for the electricity sector to enhance its performance, which includes a hardline approach to meter bypassing. His proposal came about during the Senate’s ministerial nominee screening, submitted by President Bola Tinubu.
El-Rufai underlined the enduring struggle with electricity supply in Nigeria, noting its resistance to various government initiatives over six decades. He highlighted metering as a significant issue, praising the progress made by some Distribution Companies (DisCos), supported by the CBN and the World Bank.
However, El-Rufai stated that estimated billings are unacceptable, and stealing electricity should be penalized. He emphasized the need to consider water and electricity as services that cost money to produce, not free commodities. Additionally, he brought up the privatization of distribution companies, expressing disappointment that the government continues to subsidize electricity, which is unsustainable.
Despite these challenges, El-Rufai acknowledged President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring stable electricity in Nigeria, vital for industrialization and agriculture. He pledged to do his best in addressing these issues.
During the screening, Sen. Sunday Karimi (APC-Kogi) praised El-Rufai’s past performance, despite a petition against him concerning national security and unity. Meanwhile, Sen. Sani Musa (APC-Niger) vouched for El-Rufai’s credibility and proposed that he should be confirmed.
Discussion about this post