Senate to FG: Halt Planned Electricity Tariff Hike, Don’t Increase Nigerians’ Hardship

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Senators yesterday, asked the federal government to halt the planned increment of the electricity tariff in order to lessen the burden of the poor masses.

The lawmakers stated this as part of their resolution after a  motion sponsored by Sen. Akintunde Yunus Abiodun (Oyo Central), and co-sponsorsed by Sen Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South) and Sen Abbas, Aminu Iya (Adamatoa Central).

The motion was titled, “Need to Halt the Proposed Increase in Electricity Tariff by Eleven Successor Electricity Distribution Companies (Discos).”

The Senate, in a unanimous decision insisted that Nigerians were now going through hard times as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy.

The red chamber maintained that the price of gas, which was the major item being used electricity companies to generate power, had not been increased.

It therefore resolved that henceforth, town halls on electricity should be held at the headquarters of the companies.

It added that communities that bought transformers or any electrical appliances should be compensated.

Part of the resolution read, “Senate accordingly resolves to call on the federal government of Nigeria to intervene and halt the proposed increase in electricity tariff by the Distribution Companies (Discos).

“We urge Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to decentralise proposed engagement with stakeholders scheduled for Abuja to the six geopolitical zones of the Federation for effective participation by all.

“We also urge NERC to thoroughly look into the rate review applications filed by the Discos, taking into consideration the interests of citizens, affordability, and the need for improved service delivery

“We further urge NERC to explore alternative measures to address the financial challenges faced by the Discos, such as improving operational efficiency, reducing technical and commercial losses, and enhancing revenue collection mechanisms.

“We equally urge Discos to henceforth discontinue estimated billing and make available to all electricity consumers prepaid meters at affordable prices.

“The Committee on Power (when constituted) is hereby mandated to engage with the Federal Ministry of Power, NERC, and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the Nigerian electricity sector.

“It should include the need for comprehensive sector reforms. The Senate also resolved that the executive should allow the poor to breath.”