Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has reacted over the potential hike in electricity tariffs.
News About Nigeria reports that this comes amid growing concerns about rising costs for electricity consumers, especially those on Band A feeders who may face higher charges due to the increasing electricity tariff shortfall, commonly referred to as a subsidy.
Recent reports indicate that the electricity subsidy to be paid by the Federal Government surged to N181.63 billion in September, up from N102.30 billion in May.
In April, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announced the removal of subsidies for Band A feeders, which provide a minimum of 20 hours of power daily.
This raised the tariff to N225 per kilowatt-hour for Band A customers.
Reacting to the situation, Henshaw took to social media to criticise the electricity banding system and the possibility of another tariff hike.
She tweeted, “I have said it before, and I repeat, this banding of electricity is pure theft. Nowhere in the world is there Band A or whatever alphabet for electricity!! Give everyone electricity & let them pay for what they consume. Another hike?? Kuku put a rope on our necks.”
https://twitter.com/HenshawKate/status/1838135086329249962
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has introduced a 50% electricity subsidy for public hospitals across Nigeria to reduce operational costs and ease the financial burden on patients.
The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, during his visit to the National Neo-Psychiatric Hospital in Barnawa, Kaduna.
Rising electricity tariffs and diesel prices have strained hospitals’ financial stability, leading to higher medical bills for patients.