- The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had on April 3 announced an increase in electricity tariff for customers enjoying 20 -hour power supply daily.
- The increase means customers,classified as Band A electricity consumers , will now pay N225 per kilowatt hour as opposed to the N66 payable before the hike.
The Labour party in Lagos has urged the federal government to review the “astronomical” hike in the tariff payable by some electricity consumers in the country.
In an interview with NAN, Olubunmi Odesanya, publicity secretary of the party in Lagos said that the hike was unreasonable, adding that Nigerians were already experiencing economy hardship.
On April 3, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) approved a tariff increase for Band A customers.
Customers on B and A are those who receive 20 to 24 hours of power supply in the country.
On April 5, Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power, explained that only 1.5 million customers — out of 12 million — were affected by the electricity tariff hike
“On a daily basis, Nigerians are bearing the brunt. This is simply not working. A good number of Nigerians are suffering, she said.
“Nigerians are currently facing hardship .The government should know that people are at the heart of every government.
“This astronomical increase in electricity tariff should be reconsidered.”
Odesanya said that the hike has an adverse effect on the economy and not only electricity consumers.
She stated that if the government had reason to hike tariff, it shouldn’t have exceeded 25%.
However, the publicity secretary called on the government for an increase in minimum wage, adding that it should alternatives other removing subsides.