The Senate on Tuesday, February 16, asked the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the ministry of power and electricity distribution companies to immediately suspend the increase in electricity tariff by 40 percent
The directive was given upon resumption of plenary after a two weeks break to consider budget proposals of ministries departments and agencies.
Recall that there have been protests across the country against the increase in electricity tariff which prompted citizens to march to the National Assembly.
The reduction kicked off on Monday, February 1.
In a motion, Suleiman Nafiz, a senator who represents Bauchi north senatorial district, urged the Senate to probe how funds given to electricity companies had been spent.
He also urged the Senate to intervene and look into factors hindering the optimal functioning of the power sector.
”The Disctribution Companies (DISCOS) have continued to exploit Nigerians by estimated billing system and deliberately refusing to make pre-paid meters available.
”This increase will pave way for additional heavy burden on Nigerians and coupled with the challenges of the economy, it will affect the purchasing power of Nigerian workers,” he said.
Deputy president of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu who was in support of the motion said Nigerians are already going through harsh economic realities.
He supported the rejection of the new tariff stressing that as representatives of the masses, they must only support policies that are favourable.
“As a country on life-support we do not need to add to the suffering of the people, for me this tariff increase is ultra-wicked and unconscionable. We must reverse it immediately,” he said.
While making his own contribution, Dino Melaye, a senator from Kogi west asked for an immediate reversal of the 40 percent increase in electricity tariff. He referred to the increase as arbitrary.
Meanwhile, the Senate adjourned again to February 23 to give its sub committees on appropriation time to tidy up the 2016 budget.
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