The house of representatives has asked the National
Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) not to approve the proposed increase
in electricity tariffs.
The lower legislative chamber passed the resolution during a
plenary session on Thursday, following the adoption of a motion sponsored by
Sani Madaki, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) from Kano.
In the past weeks, reports had spread that electricity
tariffs would be increased by 40 percent due to spiralling petrol prices.
The increase was said to be contingent on the 2022 multi-year tariff order (MYTO), which is due for a bi-annual review this month.
Leading the debate on the motion, Madaki said there is
“widespread apprehension” in the country over the planned introduction of a new
electricity tariff regime by distribution companies (DisCos).
The lawmaker, citing the current economic situation, said
President Tinubu’s government came to power “to bring succour to the people”,
adding that the hike in electricity tariff would increase the suffering of
Nigerians.
Contributing to the motion, Babajimi Benson from Lagos, said
there was a “corresponding need” to bring the GenCos and DisCos together for a
discussion with NERC because there are several factors that have necessitated
plans for the hike in electricity tariffs.
“FX has gone up, NERC
and DisCos should be brought on board instead of (telling them) don’t increase
the price,” Benson said.
Also speaking, Bamidele Salami from Osun, corroborated
Benson’s position, saying while there is a need to cushion the effect of the
current hardship on Nigerians, the house should avoid making regulations that
may stifle businesses.
He said the electricity act makes the sector to be private
sector-driven, and the prevailing market drive is the cause of the proposed
increase.
“We have to find a way to ensure the sector is not
suffocated by regulation so that we don’t kill the industry and investment,” he
said.
Salami also said rather than asking for the suspension of
the proposed tariff increase, the government should focus on issues such as
increasing the minimum wage and others.
“A privatised sector cannot be deeply regulated,” he said.
Also supporting the motion, Ali Isa from Gombe state, said
citizens are already suffering from the effect of the petrol subsidy removal.
The motion was voted for when it was put to a voice vote by
Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker, and presiding officer.
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This Government is so insensitive. Everything is just spiraling up. If dem kuku wan kill us, make dem kill us all rather than this slow death wey dem dey bring upon the citizenry.
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