The Minority Caucus of the House of Reps has decry on the hike in electricity tariff across the Nation by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) saying that the act as insensitive inhuman and evil.
In a statement by the Minority leader of the House of Reps , Kingsley Chinda, on Friday in Abuja says that the sudden hike placed an unbearable burden on the already strained populace, exacerbating economic hardship and widening the chasm of inequality, among the citizenry.
“Such a hike, which is over 200% 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 also emphasized on the galloping inflation, unemployment, and inadequate access to basic amenities that the citizens had been facing.
“We note that in the immediate aftermath of the announcement of the tariff hike, NERC claimed that the hike affects only twelve per cent 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, according to data put out by the DISCOS, affects all electricity consumers. This habitual resort to deceit and outright lies clearly puts government in bad light and erodes the trust and confidence of the populace in the government.
“The timing of this tariff hike, amidst prevailing economic challenges, is not only insensitive but also detrimental to the well-being of Nigerians. It further highlights the disconnect between policymakers and the realities faced by the masses of our people.
He urged president Tinubu to prevail on NERC, to rescind it’s 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 a 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, ”
