The Senate has appealed to the Federal Government to stop plans to remove electricity subsidy, particularly in light of the prevailing hardships experienced across the country.
The Senate’s position followed a motion of urgent importance presented by Senator representing Adamawa Central, Aminu Iya Abbas.
The motion underscored the significance of retaining the subsidy on electricity as a crucial measure for alleviating the burdens faced by the populace.
Abbas in his lead debate recalled; “that this Senate via a motion called on the Federal Government and NERC not to increase tariff on electricity for customers and citizens of this country at this time;
“Regret that in addition to the high cost of living being experienced in the country, the unmetered customers who are owners of small and medium enterprises are adversely impacted by this level of exorbitant electricity charges and by implication have their businesses affected.
“While the prospect of the new Electricity Act, 2023 of ensuring accurate electricity charges will be negated if DisCos are not investigated to ascertain the current statistical data on unmetered customers, poor provision of electricity service despite exorbitant tariff and regulatory role of NERC which leaves much to be desired.”
Last week, Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu highlighted why electricity subsidy needed to be removed and the need to impose cost-reflective tariffs.
He said this was because the Government could not meet its debt repayment obligations of N1.3 trillion to electricity-generating companies and $ 1.3 billion debt to gas companies.
