The Senate on Tuesday ordered the Ministry of Works, Power and Housing, the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and electricity distribution companies to immediately reverse the electricity tariff that was raised by over 40 per cent.
The motion leading to the order was sponsored by Suleiman Nafiz (APC-Bauchi North) at the Senate’s sitting on Tuesday.
Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, said the tariff increase was “ultra-wicked and unconscionable”.
“As a country on life-support we do not need to add to the suffering of the people,” Ekweremadu said.
“For me this tariff increase is ultra-wicked and unconscionable. We must reverse it immediately.
The tariff was increased on 1st February, sparking widespread criticisms and nationwide street protests by the organised Labour.
In response however, Minister for Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, said the measure was a “bitter pill” that Nigerians must swallow to enjoy optimal service delivery in the power sector.
In his comment Dino Melaye noted that the latest increase in electricity tariff was the fourth since the privatisation of power.
He joined his voice to demand for an immediate reversal of the 40 percent increase in electricity tariff, describing it as arbitrary.
