Nigerian Government Reassures More Sustainable Electricity With Reviewed Tariff
By: Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
The Nigerian government has reassured Nigerians that the recent reviewed electricity tariff is a step toward enhancing a more sustainable and efficient electricity sector that would benefit the public.
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Orientation Mohammed Idris made the assurance at the 4th Ministerial briefing on the activities from the power sector in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital
He also explained that misconceptions and concerns around the tariff review are understandable, noting that the review is to improve service delivery, infrastructure development, and economic development..
“The Tinubu administration is sustaining electricity subsidy to 85% of Nigerian consumers, which re-justifies its credential as a Pro-People democratic government while effecting electricity tariff increment to only 15% of the electricity consumer population. let me reassure every Nigerian that this review is a strategic step toward a more sustainable, efficient, and equitable electricity sector. It lays the groundwork for significant improvements in service delivery, infrastructure development, and economic prosperity. Our focus must therefore remain steadfast on ensuring that the electricity sector’s transformation benefits all Nigerians, supports our industries, and propels our nation towards its bright future”, He said.
Idris, while underscoring the importance of an enabling environment for the media to operate in Nigeria, he added that transparency is paramount as it plays a crucial role in fostering and reinforcing that trust.
“Let me restate our commitment to transparency in public communication as a deliberate policy to build trust between the government and its citizens. We understand that transparency is not just a principle to be upheld but a foundation for good governance. Therefore, we are committed to ensuring that our communication channels remain open, accessible, and informative while we strive to provide accurate, timely, and relevant information to the public on matters of governance, policy, and programme”. He noted
A recent increase in electricity tariff for Band A customers, people who enjoy light for at least twenty hours per day had raised an uproar among Nigerians.
In this vein, Nigeria’s Minister of Power. Mr Adebayo Adelabu, said that the new electricity tariff hike will only affect 1.5 million people, which according to him is a small segment of the consumers.
“From the policy formulation perspective, the recent increase in tariff for only Band A customers which is just 15 per cent of electricity consumers in Nigeria. As of the latest statistics, there area little about 12 million customers in the sector and this [tariff hike] would only affect about 1.5 million customers.The remaining 10.5 million customers will continue to enjoy the government’s subsidy at about 70 per cent.”
According to Mr. Adelabu, there is need for stakeholders in the power sector to give value to electricity consumers, adding that the customers outside band A, will continue to enjoy government subsidy.
“The government is so sensitive to the pains of the people; and we are not ready to aggravate this suffering any longer which is why we said it must be a journey rather than a destination. We want consumers to have value for their money, that’s the essence for this. And is better that we start the journey now, so that we can conclude it on time. Because a journey of a thousand mile starts with a single step in the right direction”. Adelabu added
Also speaking, Vice Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Musiliu Oseni, reiterates NERC’s commitment to responding to the complaints of customers, as it has responded to the complaints by some customers that have complained of not enjoying twenty hours of supply but were charged as such.
“Today we have issue an order to Abuja Distribution company to pay 200 million fine for violation of an order we are discussing today. The fine, when it is paid, goes to the rural electrification fund inline with the provision of act.
There is wisdom in that; so that we don’t give ourselves to a revenue generating agency because we want to improve our liquidity”. Oseni said.
The ministerial briefing organized by the Ministry of Information and orientation, is aimed at updating Nigerians on the current happening in different sectors of the country.
Olusola Akintonde
