The Senate on Tuesday, February 16, asked the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the ministry of power and electricity distribution companies to immediately suspend the increase in electricity tariff by 40%.
National Assembly Abuja
During today's plenary at the National Assembly which was precided over by Senate president, Dr. Bukola Saraki, the Nigerian Senate has directed the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Ministry of Power and Electricity Distribution Companies to immediately suspend the increase in electricity tariff by 40%.
It has been widely reported that there have been protests across the country against the increase in electricity tariff which prompted citizens to march to the National Assembly. According to the Senate, the reduction has been kicked off on Monday, February 1.
A senator who represents Bauchi north senatorial district, Suleiman Nafiz, in a motion, urged the Senate to probe how funds given to electricity companies had been spent. He also urged the Senate to intervene and look into factors hindering the optimal functioning of the power sector.
"The Disctribution Companies (DISCOS) have continued to exploit Nigerians by estimated billing system and deliberately refusing to make pre-paid meters available. This increase will pave way for additional heavy burden on Nigerians and coupled with the challenges of the economy, it will affect the purchasing power of Nigerian workers," he said.
Ike Ekweremadu, the deputy senate president who was in support of the motion, said Nigerians are already going through harsh economic realities and supported the rejection of the new tariff, stressing that as representatives of the masses, they must only support policies that are favourable.
"As a country on life-support we do not need to add to the suffering of the people, for me this tariff increase is ultra-wicked and unconscionable. We must reverse it immediately," he said.
While making his own contribution, Dino Melaye, a senator from Kogi west asked for an immediate reversal of the 40 percent increase in electricity tariff. He referred to the increase as arbitrary.