In a recent development, the Nigerian House of Representatives has called for the immediate reversal of the electricity tariff hike affecting Band A customers. This decision comes after the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announced in April that these customers would face a new rate of N225 per kilowatt.
The House's resolution followed the presentation of a report by the House Committee on Power, led by Chairman Victor Nwokolo, which highlighted the financial burden the new tariff imposes on Nigerians. The Committee recommended reverting to the previous tariff structure, a suggestion that was adopted by the Committee of the Whole and subsequently passed.
NERC's announcement in April stipulated that Band A customers, who receive at least 20 hours of power supply daily, would experience a tariff increase. Despite the regulatory body's assurance that only 15% of electricity consumers would be affected, the decision sparked significant public outcry.
NERC Vice Chairman, Musliu Oseni, explained that the number of feeders categorized as Band A would be reduced from 800 to under 500, impacting 17% of these feeders. This move aimed to maintain a consistent power supply to Band A customers but led to widespread discontent due to the increased financial pressure.
The House of Representatives has mandated further investigation into the tariff hike, aiming to address the concerns of Nigerian citizens comprehensively. This ongoing scrutiny is expected to ensure a fair and equitable solution for all electricity consumers in the country.
As this situation develops, it is crucial for NERC and the distribution companies (DISCOs) to engage with stakeholders to mitigate the adverse effects of the tariff changes and maintain public trust in the electricity regulatory framework.