ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has condemned the recent approval by the National Electric Regulation Commission (NERC) to increase electric Tariffs for customers under the Band A classification, urging the commission to reconsider its stand to save Nigerians from another round of hardship emanating from the new tariffs.
In a press release on Friday, the country director for ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, stated that the commission ought to concentrate on resolving the structural problems bedevilling the power industry, such as inadequate infrastructure, poor maintenance, and a lack of transparency, rather than burdening residents and business owners with higher tariffs.
He said this decision comes at a time when the country is grappling with an erratic power supply, leaving millions of citizens in darkness and exacerbating the already dire economic situation faced by many.
While questioning the justification for the decision, he demanded, “As a public enterprise funded by taxpayers’ money, what indices did NERC employ in arriving at the new prices per kW h? And with whom were consultations made, including which stakeholders, before arriving at this decision?”
He claimed that the call for the reversal of this ineffective strategy and the injustice being done to millions of impoverished Nigerians comes from our social justice movement, which has over five million members.
“If our concerns are not addressed, we will not hesitate to escalate our activities, even if we do so quietly. We are fully prepared to mobilize our platforms to advance our demands.
“In particular, we request a return to the previous situation while a comprehensive examination of the electricity subsidy program is conducted.
“The status quo will be reversed while extensive consultations with all pertinent parties are conducted, including consumer advocacy groups, trade unions, labour unions, civil society organizations, impacted communities, and social movements. The goal is to identify long-term solutions that put the needs of all Nigerians first, with a focus on consistent, reasonably priced electricity supply.
“The consultation must be made open and available to all Nigerians. A complete revitalisation of the electricity sector would ensure the availability of power to the masses of Nigeria.
“A robust monitoring system for distribution companies to hold them accountable to fulfilling their obligations.
“To safeguard consumer rights and maintain the integrity of the regulatory process, NERC must guarantee fairness and transparency in the electricity sector,” he stated.
