The lawmakers say it would be unfair to Nigerians
The House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of Power, Barth Nnaji, to appear before its committee on power over plans by the federal government to raise electricity tariffs.
To appear alongside the minister is the Chairman of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Sam Amadi. Both officials are expected to explain to the lawmakers the justification for the increase when the nation’s electricity production remains dismal.
Nigeria’s production level has remained below 4000W despite an emergency rule for the sector by the present administration; and the supply has continued to fluctuate with frequent shutting of power stations.
The lawmakers said an increase in electricity tariffs would be tantamount to forcing Nigerians to pay more for a service they do not enjoy.
“This will be subjecting many electricity consumers to the estimated billing system presently employed by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) for its analogy metres,” said Yakubu Balogun, who sponsored the motion under matters of urgent national importance.
“Power generation and distribution has been very erratic and efforts to put it right have failed in the past.”
The House Committee on Power is to make its findings known in two weeks.
