Reps Move Against 100% Hike In Electricity Tariff

The House of Representatives has today declared its stand against the plan to increase electricity tariff in the country by 100 percent.

The house further urged the Federal Government to halt any plans seeking to increase electricity tariff rate in the country.

The decision of the house came after a unanimous adoption of a motion under matters of urgent public importance raised by Rep. Aliyu Madaki.

Madaki, while moving the motion, maintained that the plan by Electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) to increase electricity tariff from N24 to N50 per kilowatt will be of negative impact on the citizens.

He further noted the epileptic nature of power supply in the country adding that it has affected both household and commercial activities across the nation.

He said: “I recall that in February, 2016, NERC increased electricity tariff by 45 per cent with no corresponding impact on supply; rather electricity supply has dropped, affecting both households and commercial activities.

“The planned 100 per cent increase in electricity tariff by NERC on the request of distribution companies is illegal and an abuse of court process.

“If the proposed hike in electricity tariff is not put on halt, its multiplier effect on the economy and the social well-being of Nigerians cannot be quantified”.

The Majority leader of the house, Femi Gbajabiamila in contribution said: “The issue of Discos is the biggest scam; people are paying huge money and Discos are smiling to
the banks without commensurate services.

“In other countries, they do not privatise a large life-wire of their economies.

“It is as if somebody powerful somewhere is protecting the Discos; so this house must remain resolute in finding out why the companies disobey resolutions and court orders”.

Ruling on the motion, the speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara referred the matter to a committee set up to look into the sale of power assets. The committee was also mandated to find out the reason behind the last increase in electricity tariff by the power distribution companies.