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The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives in Nigeria has strongly condemned the recent hike in electricity tariffs across the country by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
The caucus, led by Minority Leader Rep. Kingsley Chinda, criticized the increase as insensitive, inhuman, and uncalled for, placing an unbearable burden on the already strained populace and exacerbating economic hardships.
In a statement, Chinda highlighted the adverse effects of the removal of oil subsidies and the challenges faced by ordinary citizens, including galloping inflation, unemployment, and inadequate access to basic amenities.
He emphasized that the hike in electricity tariffs, which is more than 200 percent above the rate of inflation, disregards the plight of the citizenry.
Initially, NERC claimed that the hike would only affect 12 percent of electricity consumers who enjoy a minimum of 20 hours of electricity a day.
However, data released by the Distribution Companies (DISCOS) revealed that the increase would impact all electricity consumers, contradicting NERC’s earlier statement.
The Minority Caucus urged the Federal Government to prioritize the welfare of the people and address the challenges faced by the power sector.
They called for a comprehensive review of the electricity tariff hike and the development of sustainable solutions to improve power generation, transmission, and distribution in the country.
As Nigeria grapples with various economic and social challenges, the issue of electricity tariffs remains a contentious topic that has sparked widespread debate among citizens and political leaders alike.
The House of Representatives Minority Caucus’s condemnation of the tariff hike reflects the growing concern over the impact of such policies on the Nigerian populace.
The Minority Caucus’s condemnation of the electricity tariff hike highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Nigerian power sector and the need for the government to adopt more people-centric policies to address the concerns of the citizenry.
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