NLC condemns ‘exorbitant’ electricity tariff

President of the NLC Comrade Abdulwahed Omar in a press statement said the congress is “concerned at the incessant and exorbitant review of electricity tariff by the Federal government. The previous year, the charge which was N225 has been arbitrarily increased to over N700.“This review whether done suddenly or in advance is without justification or […]

President of the NLC Comrade Abdulwahed Omar in a press statement said the congress is “concerned at the incessant and exorbitant review of electricity tariff by the Federal government. The previous year, the charge which was N225 has been arbitrarily increased to over N700.
“This review whether done suddenly or in advance is without justification or rationale and stand condemned as it will negate whatever gains expected to be recorded by the much vaunted  reform in the power sector.
“Congress believes that the multi-year tariff structure as designed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and tacitly approved by government only protects the interest of investors in the power sector and has little or no consideration for consumers, most of whom are poor and incapable of paying.”
Omar added that it is “exploitative and saddening that these mindless reviews are not accompanied by commensurate improved services. If anything, electricity service delivery has plummeted over the years with consumers compelled to pay exorbitant tariff rates for incompetence, poor service and fraud.
“Judging from the yearly percentage increase (which covers a fifteen year period in the first instance), it is predictable that less than ten percent of the present consumers will be able to pay these outrageous tariffs in the next few years.
‘”The consequences of structuring electricity tariffs that are unreasonable and unaffordable   have grave implications for the economy and the people. This is a sad commentary on the power reform process, as it speaks volumes about its transparency, viability and ability to deliver in the interest of the nation.
“In the light of the foregoing, Congress calls on the Federal Government to direct   NERC to as a matter of urgency, retrace its steps and review downward the entire multi- year tariff structure in the interest of the people.”