The Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN) has rejected the new electricity tariff increase by the Federal Government of Nigeria, describing the increase as a blatant disregard for the economic struggles of the Nigerian masses.
CEFSAN Executive Director, Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Esq in a statement made available to Stallion Times on Monday, said the policy comes at a time when there is a cost of living crisis in the country due to the removal of subsidy on petrol.
“The policy is not only anti-people but a case of misplaced priority on the part of the Government,” he added.
Other parts of the statement read;
“The Federal Government through its capitalist regulator Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has ordered the immediate upward review of electricity tariffs from Wednesday, 3rd April, 2024.
“Hence, the Commission raised electricity tariffs for customers enjoying 20 hours of power supply daily.
“Customers in this category are said to be under the Band A classification and the increase will see them paying N225 kilowatt per hour from the current 68.
“Recall that in November 2013, the Federal Government privatized the power sector, selling off majority stakes in generation and distribution companies to private investors. This was to improve efficiency, attract investment, and improve service delivery.
“Despite years of public investment, Nigeria has the lowest access to electricity globally, with about 92 million persons out of the country’s 200 million population lacking access to power, according to the Energy Progress Report 2022 released by Tracking SDG 7.
“Similarly, millions of households are yet to be metered, despite repeated assurances by regulators and industry players over the years.
“We finally call upon all Nigerians to join us in raising our voices against this injustice.”
