Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Urged to Reverse 300% Electricity Tariff Hike Amidst Economic Challenges

ACTIVISTA NIGERIA PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 4th, 2024

Activista Nigeria along with concerned citizens and advocacy groups, is calling for the immediate reversal of the recent decision by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to hike electricity tariffs by a staggering 300%. This unjustified and draconian increase comes at a time of unprecedented economic hardship, with soaring inflation, widespread poverty, and shockingly low minimum wages for citizens.

The decision to triple electricity tariffs has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, exacerbating the already dire financial situation faced by millions of households and businesses. Many families are struggling to make ends meet, facing the harsh reality of choosing between putting food on the table and paying exorbitant electricity bills. Small and medium-sized enterprises, already grappling with the adverse effects of the ongoing economic crisis, are now burdened with unsustainable overhead costs, further threatening their viability and contributing to job losses.

The timing of this tariff hike couldn’t be more insensitive, as it directly undermines efforts to alleviate poverty and promote economic stability. With inflation at record levels and the purchasing power of citizens eroding by the day, such a drastic increase in electricity tariffs only serves to exacerbate the financial distress of ordinary Nigerians.

Furthermore, the lack of transparency and stakeholder consultation in the decision-making process by NERC is deeply concerning. It is imperative that regulatory bodies prioritize the interests of the people they serve and engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders before implementing policies that have far-reaching implications for the nation’s economy and well-being.

In light of the foregoing, Activista Nigeria calls on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to:

1. Immediately reverse the 300% electricity tariff hike and institute measures to ensure that future tariff adjustments are fair, transparent, and considerate of the economic realities facing citizens.
2. Conduct a comprehensive review of the electricity tariff structure in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including consumer advocacy groups, civil society organizations, and representatives of affected communities.
3. Address the root causes of inefficiencies and revenue losses in the electricity sector, including corruption, mismanagement, and inadequate infrastructure, to ensure the provision of reliable and affordable electricity to all Nigerians.
4. Promote alternative energy sources and renewable energy technologies to diversify the energy mix and reduce dependency on costly fossil fuels, thereby mitigating the impact of future tariff fluctuations on consumers.

Activista Nigeria stands in solidarity with the Nigerian people in demanding accountability, transparency, and fairness in the regulation of the electricity sector. We call on the government and regulatory authorities to prioritize the welfare of citizens and take immediate action to alleviate the burden of high electricity tariffs on the populace.

About The Author

Fasholu Gabriel Oluwatobi

Gabriel O. Fasholu is the founder and editor of SPYCONNET. A brilliant Educationist, Social Media Enthusiast & Freelancer who is passionate about passing undefiled information to the entire public.

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