HOUSE MINORITY CAUCUS CALLS FOR THE REVERSAL OF THE HIKE IN ELECTRICITY TARIFF 05-04-24
By Sadiq Aminu The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives condemns the hike in electricity tariffs across Nigeria by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC.
In a statement by the Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda describes the decision to increase the tariff as insensitive to the plights of Nigerians
The Minority Leader explains that the abrupt hike, places an unbearable burden on the already strained populace, exacerbating economic hardships and thereby widening the chasm of inequality among the citizens.
According to statement such a hike, which is over two hundred percent above the rate of inflation, utterly disregards the plight of ordinary citizens, who are grappling with the adverse effects of the removal of oil subsidy, galloping inflation, unemployment, and inadequate access to basic amenities.
We note that in the immediate aftermath of the announcement of the tariff hike, NERC claimed that the hike affects only twelve percent of electricity consumers who enjoy minimum of twenty hours of electricity a day. The truth has become stark that this is stark lie. The hike, from data put out by the DISCOS, affects all electricity consumers. This habitual resorts to deceits and outright lies clearly puts government in bad light and erodes the trust and confidence of the populace in the government”
He notes that the timing of the tariff hike, amidst prevailing economic challenges, is not only insensitive but also detrimental to the well-being of Nigerians.
Mr. Kingsley Chinda further highlights the disconnect between policy makers and the realities faced by the masses of Nigeria.
“Elsewhere in the global north, governments are doing all they can to protect citizens against the adverse effects of the pandemic on economies. In the United Kingdom, for example, where anti-subsidy proselytisers preach against subsidies, His Majesty’s Government has “paid almost 40 billion pounds ($50 billion) in energy subsidies since it began to help households and businesses cope with the surge in power bills after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine”.
The Minority caucus of the House of Representatives urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevail on the electricity regulator, NERC, to recind this decision and prioritize the welfare of the people.
The Minority caucus also calls for increased accountability and transparency in the management of resources within the electricity sector.
The statement encourages the citizens to demand efficient service delivery and fair pricing mechanisms that align with their economic realities.
The Minority caucus says in solidarity with the Nigerian people, they stand firm in condemnation of this unjustifiable increase in electricity tariffs and call for immediate action to alleviate the burdens imposed on the populace.