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President Muhammadu Buhari has come under attack over the recent policy by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, which increased tariffs by 40 percent.
This is coming from the Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani who maintained that the policy was anti-people and called for a review before its implemented.
NERC had released a new electricity tariff regime that has various rates of increase in energy charges for consumers across the country.
However, it had also maintained that electricity tariff would be increased by 40 percent for some customers. It also announced the removal of fixed power charges for all classes of electricity consumers, stressing that power users would henceforth only pay for what they consume.
In the wake of the increase, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC, and other labour groups have kicked against the hike in electricity tariff, stating that they will hold a mass protest on Monday, February 8, to express their displeasure.
“It is a nation-wide protest, meaning that the 36 states of the Federation including Abuja will be involved in this action.
Our members have been sufficiently mobilized and are ready to go. If you are an electricity consumer and you are not happy with the bills electricity companies serve you every month, you are invited to join this protest rally.” The statement signed by Ayuba Wabba, the NLC president, said.
Also reacting, Sani stated that the policy was only beneficial to those he referred to as “Discos merchants” adding that majority of the poor people will not be able to bear the cost.
“Increase in electricity tariff by the Federal Government is wrong. It will aggravate the hardship experienced by the downtrodden.“Electricity tariff for the poor should rather be reviewed downwards. Masses in the Ghettos and rural areas need to enjoy cheaper electricity.“Higher electricity tariff will only enrich “Discos merchants” whom are still hesitant in committing their monies to improve on the power infrastructure.”
He further stated that: “However, we must appreciate the fact that electricity generation and supply under PMB now reported to have reached 5k megawatts is unprecedented, he has broken the jinx of darkness. Having appreciated that I reaffirm my opposition to increase in electricity tariff.” Sani stated.
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