The Senate has asked the federal government to halt a proposal by the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, to buy electricity meters for the second phase of the national mass metering programme, NMMP, abroad.
TCC intends to buy the meters through a World Bank facility.
However, the red chamber asked TCN to negotiate with the African Export-Import Bank, AFREXIM, and the African Development Bank, AfDB, if the World Bank would not consent to local manufacturing of meters.
The resolution of the upper chamber followed a motion by Victor Umeh, senator representing Anambra Central.
Umeh said, “The World Bank has approved a loan of $155 million for the national mass metering programme.
See Also: Write False Petition To ICPC, Face Two-Year Imprisonment, Senate Bill Seeks
“The ongoing World Bank-funded NMMP Phase 2 seeks to promote foreign companies’ participation against competent and prequalified local meter manufacturers which will ultimately result in the loss of jobs and revenue.
“A deliberate policy to prioritize local manufacturing will catalyze job creation and economic growth.
“TCN on behalf of the World Bank closed bidding advertisement on July 11, 2023, and further extended it to July 25, 2023, for the supply and installation of 1.2 million smart meters to the 11 distribution companies in Nigeria.”
The motion was adopted after it was put to a vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
- Gov Alex Otti Reacts To Tribunal Judgment - October 7, 2023
- Fake Credentials: Soyinka Dares Accusers To Prove Allegations - October 7, 2023
- Ukraine Vow To Shun UEFA Competitions Featuring Russian Teams - September 27, 2023
