The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives says the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s hike in electricity tariffs across the country is insensitive.

Kingsley Chinda, the minority leader of the House of Representatives, said this in a statement on Friday.

The minority leader said the abrupt hike would burden the already strained populace, exacerbating economic hardship.

“Such a hike, which is over 200 per cent above the rate of inflation, utterly disregards the plight of ordinary citizens, who are grappling with the adverse effects of the removal of oil subsidy,” the legislator stated.

He said the citizenry had been faced with galloping inflation, unemployment, and inadequate access to basic amenities.

Mr Chinda said, “We note that in the immediate aftermath of the announcement of the tariff hike, NERC claimed that the hike affects only 12 per cent of electricity consumers who enjoy a minimum of 20 hours of electricity a day.

“The truth has become stark that this is a stark lie. The hike, from data put out by the DisCos, affects all electricity consumers.”

He added that this habitual resort to deceit and outright lies clearly portrays the government in a bad light and erodes the populace’s trust and confidence in it.

Mr Chinda said the timing of the tariff hike, amidst prevailing economic challenges, was insensitive and detrimental to the well-being of Nigerians.

He added that it further highlights the disconnect between policymakers and the realities the masses face and urged President Bola Tinubu to prevail on NERC, rescind its decision, and prioritise the welfare of the people.

The lawmaker said transparent dialogue and inclusive decision-making processes were imperative to address the root causes of the energy sector’s inefficiencies and ensure sustainable solutions.

This, according to him, is such that it would benefit all stakeholders and not a consistent and persistent increase in tariff.

He further called for increased accountability and transparency in managing resources within the electricity sector.

“Citizens have the right to demand efficient service delivery and fair pricing mechanisms that align with their economic realities.

“In solidarity with the Nigerian people, we stand firm in our condemnation of this unjustifiable increase in electricity tariffs and call for immediate action to alleviate the burdens imposed on the populace,” he said.

(NAN)