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Published on 2024-02-21 17:25:26
The Senate has rejected plans by the federal government to increase electricity tariffs through the removal of electricity subsidies. This comes after a motion sponsored by Senator Aminu Abass objected to the plan. The rejection was announced by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, after a majority of the senators supported the motion through voice votes. The Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, cited Nigeria’s N3 trillion debt in the power sector as the reason for the planned removal of electricity subsidies. According to several lawmakers, the plan to remove electricity subsidies would lead to an increase in the electricity tariff, and payment of electricity bills would become unbearable for Nigerians.
The motion also sought to advise the federal government to stand down the planned removal of subsidies and to mandate the Senate Committee on Power to investigate the over N2 trillion subsidy requirement, as stated by the Minister of Power. The failed agreement to provide adequate prepaid meters to Nigerians was also called for investigation.
Senator Aminu Tambuwal believes it would be unfair for the government to increase electricity tariffs when Nigerians are going through hardships. Other senators, including Abba Moro and Orji Kalu, reiterated the need to focus on generating and distributing electricity rather than increment. The senators also directed the Nigeria Electricity Regulations Commission (NERC) to ensure the implementation of energy caps by all DisCos to unmetered customers in the country, and directed the Committee on Power to submit a comprehensive report for further legislative action.
This development means that the federal government’s plan to remove electricity subsidies may be put on hold. The Senate’s position underscores the concerns that the economic situation in the country is already harsh, and citizens cannot afford to bear the burden of increased electricity tariffs. The lawmakers have made it clear that their focus is on the generation and distribution of electricity, which is better for the country.
The Nigerian populace is experiencing untold hardships, and the country’s economic situation is anything but normal. The removal of any subsidy, not to talk about the electricity subsidy, would exacerbate the situation. Therefore, the support from the Senate for the rejection of the electricity subsidy removal and suggested increased tariffs is a welcome development for Nigerians.
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