Some Nigerians have taken to social media to express pains, grief and agony after the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government, again, approved an increase in electricity tariff payable by electricity consumers in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, approved over 50 percent hike in electricity tariff payable by customers of the 11 Distribution Companies, DisCos.
According to Daily Trust, a Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) signed by the new Chairman of NERC, Sanusi Garba, on December 30, 2020, showed that the new tariff increase took effect on January 1, 2021.
It should be noted that the new increment is coming barely two months after the implementation of the controversial hike proposed last year.
It was learned that the new order supersedes the previous Order NERC/2028/2020.
In the new order, NERC said it considered the “…14.9% inflation rate rise in November 2020, foreign exchange of N379.4/$1 as of December 29, 2020, available generation capacity, US inflation rate of 1.22% and the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) of the power firms to raise the tariff…”
A thorough analysis shows that unlike the erstwhile order implemented in 2020, which exempted low power consumers, the revised Service-Based Tariff (SBT) also saw an increase in the rates payable by all classes of electricity users.
TNC gathered that the order is effective till June 2021 while a Cost Reflective Tariff (CRT) expected to raise the new cost higher will be activated from June to December 2021.
Reacting to the development on social media, some Nigerians have the below to say:
Ajibade Lucky Abdullateef – The handshake has finally gone beyond the elbow. In fact it has gone beyond the shoulder. The govt of this country is so insensitive. Buhari is earnestly asking for a “Babangida Must Go” treatment.
Fred Evoh – And some dead brains who call themselves Buhari fans will not see anything wrong with this mess. This administration has nothing to offer, so lifeless in everything angle including human beings.
Olaleye Habeeb Herbiedemmy – We are still struggling to survive 2020 damages which covid 19 caused. In the same year you guys increased electricity tariff, why are you all sadist…. What kind of administration is this, fingers are not equal don’t you really want the citizens to enjoy anything in the country…. Rice beans pepper onions etc price increased. If you idiots increase the minimum wage does that mean we don’t have to enjoy anything good in the country peace out meanwhile the electricity is not available.
Emmanuel Oluwadamilola Ottah – This people just want to start another unrest in the country it’s so sad
Usman Mu’azu – Like Death, Every soul must taste the Devident of this Government. I mean the Nigerian Poor masses
Umar Dahiru Abubakar – The good thing about this government is both wailers and hailers are suffering together from this clueless administration.
Prince Chris General – Using Fulani herdsmen and bandits is not enough punishment, he is redirecting his punishment to electricity. Who knows he might ban food for common Nigerians. Wicked soul, your rewards awaits you in hell.
