Increased Electricity Tariff Will Only Affect A Small Segment Of Customers Nationwide – FG
The Federal Government has disclosed that only a small segment of the consumers will be affected by the recent electricity hike.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, April 5, Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu disclosed that the increased electricity tariff will only affect 1.5 million customers nationwide.
In his words:
“From the policy formulation perspective, the recent increase in tariff for only Band A customers which is just 15 per cent of electricity consumers in Nigeria.
As of the latest statistics, there are a little about 12 million customers in the sector and this [tariff hike] would only affect about 1.5 million customers.
The remaining 10.5 million customers will continue to enjoy the government’s subsidy at about 70 per cent.”
Adelabu further disclosed that the federal government is eyeing a “cost-reflective” tariff for electricity users. He added that the realities of the country’s economy informed the decision not to totally remove subsidy on electricity.
He said;
“The government is so sensitive to the pains of the people; to the sufferings of the people and we are not ready to aggravate this suffering any longer which is why we said it must be a journey rather than a destination.
“And the journey starts now. That we should do a gradual migration from the subsidy regime to a full cost-reflective regime and we must start with some customers. Whatever consumers pay for, there must be commensurate value for it.”
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This comes after the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) kicked against the recent increase in electricity tariffs in the country.
In a statement released by its spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the forum described the tariff increase as a reckless move and a complete disregard for the well-being and welfare of the Nigerian people.
According to the forum, the drastic increase in electricity tariff will have a significant negative impact on the already struggling population, further exacerbating the gap between the rich and the poor.
They urged the Federal Government to immediately reconsider what they referred to as an ill-conceived decision and consider the dire economic situation faced by the majority of Nigerians.
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The statement read in part;
“Under the new tariff plan, 24 hours of electricity per day will cost a staggering N5,400, amounting to an unbearable monthly total of N162,000 and an astounding yearly total of N1,971,000. These exorbitant amounts are simply unaffordable for the majority of Nigerians, who are already grappling with economic hardship and trying to make ends meet.
By implementing such exorbitant electricity tariffs, the government is effectively perpetuating a form of economic oppression that will only serve to widen the gap between the rich and the poor in Nigeria. It is imperative that this act of exploitation be firmly rejected and not be allowed to stand unchallenged.
The decision to implement these tariffs without considering the impact on the average citizen is not only callous but also short-sighted. The resulting consequences could potentially lead to internal security threats as the disparity between the haves and the have-nots becomes more pronounced.
The NEF strongly believes that this decision was made without carefully considering the economic realities faced by the majority of Nigerians and it highlights the government’s lack of empathy towards its citizens.
Instead of implementing policies that would alleviate the suffering of the people, the government has chosen to further exploit them. This introduction of exorbitant electricity tariffs is not only unjust but also a clear indication of the disconnect between the government and the people they are meant to serve.
It is a blatant display of the government’s blatant disregard for the well-being of its citizens and a betrayal of the trust placed in them.
The NEF calls on the government to immediately reconsider this ill-conceived decision and take into account the dire economic situation faced by the majority of Nigerians.
Nigerians must now rise up and demand accountability from their leaders, reminding them that their primary duty is to serve the people, not exploit them for personal gain.”
Recall that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Wednesday, April 3, announced an increment in electricity tariff for Band A customers.
It explained that these are people who enjoy a 20-hour supply of electricity daily.