Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Senate has pledged to take an action that will favour Nigerians regarding the over 300% increase in electricity tariff for certain customers under the Band A classification when it resumes plenary on April 16.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, gave the assurance while speaking with journalists in Abuja Thursday.
The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had, during the week, approved an increase of 340% in electricity tariff for customers under the Band A classification.
According to the NERC’s Vice-Chairman, Musliu Oseni, Band A customers will begin to pay N225 kilowatt per hour from the current N66.
According to NERC, Band A customers are those who enjoy 20 hours of electricity supply daily.
It was also revealed that customers under this classification represents 15 per cent of the 12 million electricity customers in Nigeria.
The NERC vice-chairman however clarified that the review would not affect customers on the other bands.
However, the Senate spokesperson said relevant committees of the Senate were watching the situation and would take a position favourable to Nigerians on its resumption.
Adaramodu said: “The relevant Senate Committees on Power are studying the situation.
“You know we are on recess now. When we resume, they will present their findings to Senate at plenary. We won’t abandon Nigerians.”
He maintained that the Senate would not show indifference to any policy that would add to the economic burden of Nigerians.
The Senate had earlier rejected the pronouncement by the Ministry of Power to approve the proposed hike in electricity tariff by distribution companies.
The Senate also rejected plans to remove electricity subsidy given the present hardships in the country.
The red chamber consequently directed its Committee on Power to investigate the N2 trillion required for electricity subsidy payment, other debts owed in the sector and the state of metering in the country.
The Senate resolutions were sequel to the consideration and approval of a motion moved by Senator Aminu Abbas (PDP, Adamawa Central) during plenary on the need to retain subsidy on electricity in the country for the foreseeable future.
