The Senate said on Thursday that it would debate the 300 per cent hike in electricity tariff and take a position in favour of ordinary Nigerians upon resumption from recess.
Chairman Senate’s Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, dropped the hint in an interview.
READ ALSO: List of Lagos areas on Band A to enjoy 20hrs electricity
The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had during the week approved an increase of 300% in electricity tariff for customers in 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.
NERC said Band A customers are those who enjoy 20 hours of electricity supply daily. Further checks revealed that customers under this classification represent 15 per cent of the 12 million electricity customers in Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists, Senator Adaramodu said relevant Committees of the Senate are watching the situation and would take a position favourable to Nigerians on its resumption.
He 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.”
Adaramodu maintained that the Senate would not show indifference to any policy that would add to the economic burden of Nigerians.
The Senate last February rejected the pronouncement by the Ministry of Power to approve the proposed hikes 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 had also directed the Committee on Power to investigate the N2tn 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 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.
