The Labour Party (LP) has called on the federal government to reconsider its decision to hike the tariff payable by some electricity consumers in the country.

Olubunmi Odesanya, Lagos state publicity secretary of the party, made the call in an interview with journalists on Saturday in Lagos.

She described the “astronomical” increase in tariff as unreasonable, saying it would not only hurt electricity consumers, but also the economy. 

Ms Odesanya said Nigerians were already facing hardship following the removal of fuel subsidy, adding that the tariff hike would increase sufferings.

The party’s spokesperson added that if the government had reason to hike tariff at all ,the increase should not be more than 25 per cent.

“On a daily basis, Nigerians are bearing the brunt. This is simply not working. A good number of Nigerians are suffering.

“Nigerians are currently facing hardship .The government should know that people are at the heart of every government.

“This astronomical increase in electricity tariff should be reconsidered,” Ms Odesanya said.

She urged government to reduce the cost of governance in order to save funds, rather than removing subsidies.

According to her, government must be determined in its fight against corruption and reduce poverty.

Ms Odesanya also urged the government to increase the minimum wage for workers as that would help them to cope with rising cost of living.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had, on April 3, announced an increase in electricity tariff for customers enjoying 20-hour power supply daily.

The increase means customers, classified as Band A electricity consumers, will now pay N225 per kilowatt hour as opposed to the N66 payable before the hike.

(NAN)