The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has described as insensitive and inhuman the hike in electricity tariffs across the country by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), insisting that it is uncalled for.
The Minority Leader of the House of Representative, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, said this on Friday in Abuja.
He said an abrupt hike places an unbearable burden on the already strained populace, exacerbating economic hardships and widening the chasm of inequality among the citizenry.
“Such a hike, which is over 200 per cent 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.
He said that the citizenry had been faced with, 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 12 per cent of electricity consumers who enjoy a minimum of 20 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.”
He added that the habitual resort to deceits and outright lies clearly puts government in bad light and erodes the trust and confidence of the populace in the government.
He further argued that the timing of the tariff hike, amidst prevailing economic challenges, is not only insensitive but also detrimental to the well-being of Nigerians.
He added that it further highlights the disconnect between policymakers and the realities faced by the masses of the people.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to prevail on NERC to rescind its decision and prioritise the welfare of the people.
He said that transparent dialogue and inclusive decision-making processes were imperative to address the root causes of the energy sector’s inefficiencies and ensure sustainable solutions.
This according to him is such that it would benefit all stakeholders and not consistent and persistent increase in tariff.
He further called for increased accountability and transparency in the management of resources within the electricity sector.
“Citizens have the right to demand efficient service delivery and fair pricing mechanisms that align with their economic realities.
“In solidarity with the Nigerian people, we stand firm in our condemnation of this unjustifiable increase in electricity tariffs and call for immediate action to alleviate the burdens imposed on the populace,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Senate has urged Nigerians to be calm over the hike in electricity tariff, reassuring that it is committed to safeguarding the interests of citizens amidst the tariff adjustments.
Its spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, gave the assurance in Abuja on Thursday.
Adaramodu emphasized that upon the Senate’s return from recess, deliberations would be conducted to address the over 300% rise in electricity tariffs affecting customers categorized under the ‘Band A’ classification.
“The relevant Senate committees on power are studying the situation,” he stated. “You know we are on recess now. When we resume, they will present their findings to the Senate at the plenary. We won’t abandon Nigerians.”
Assuring the public, Adaramodu reiterated the Senate’s stance against policies that exacerbate the economic burden on Nigerian citizens, affirming that decisive action will be taken to mitigate adverse effects.