The Nigerian Senate has vowed to reveal its stance on the recent 300% surge in electricity tariffs for Band A consumers once it reconvenes from its ongoing break.
This was made known by Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs (APC-Ekiti South), while speaking to the press on Thursday.
He assured the public that the Senate remains committed to safeguarding the interests of Nigerians during these challenging times.
Adaramodu also said that Senate committees are meticulously monitoring developments and will present their findings upon resumption and that they will take action in favour of the populace.
He said, “The relevant Senate Committees on Power are closely scrutinising the situation. You know we are on recess now. When we resume, they will present their findings to the Senate in plenary. We won’t abandon Nigerians.”
News About Nigeria reports that the Senate is scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday, April 16, following the Easter and Sallah recesses.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announced a sudden increase in tariffs for Band A consumers, effectively raising the rate from N66/kWh to N225/kWh on Wednesday.
This publication understands that Band A customers, who enjoy at least 20 hours of daily electricity supply, represent a 15% portion of Nigeria’s approximately 12 million electricity consumers.
In February, the Senate rejected proposals by the Ministry of Power to endorse the tariff hike by electricity distribution companies and the removal of electricity subsidies, citing the prevailing hardships in the nation.
In a bid to address the challenges comprehensively, the Red Chamber mandated its Committee on Power to probe the N2 trillion required for electricity subsidy payments, outstanding debts in the sector, and the state of metering nationwide.
These resolutions followed the Senate’s consideration and adoption of a motion by Senator Aminu Abbas (PDP-Adamawa Central) advocating for the retention of electricity subsidies for the time being.
