THESHIELD Garkuwa
Related Articles
Following approval by the Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for the increase of electricity tariff by 300%, Kaduna Chamber of Commerce wishes to express its concern on thedire anddisastrous implications of this decision.
This review is, to say the least, ill-timed as it came at the time when businesses are struggling to survive as they are groaning under extremely challenging and life threatening conditions.
Again, the citizenry continues to be impoverished as a result of policydecisions taken by the Federal Government within the last one year including withdrawal of fuel subsidy and depreciation of Naira in addition to insecurity being faced by all.
It is indeed surprising that under the prevailing circumstances NERC will deem it appropriate and acceptable to approve such massive increase in one fell swoop without due consultations with relevant stakeholders and representatives of electricity consumers.
Moreover, the issue of having an improved power supply in the country has notbeen properly addressed by the same regulatory agencyin the face ofcontinued increase in electricity tariff with power generation at a constant 4,500 MW for years.
This situation is exacerbated by structural inefficiency, wastage, leakages and corruption in the electricity sector even as millions of electricity consumersare yet to be metered and continue to be charged under the obnoxious monthly estimated bills.
As well and for good reasons, Kaduna Chamber of Commerce appeals to NERC to reconsider its stand on the approval of thenew electricityrate. In this regard, it behooves on NERC to meaningfully engages with all stakeholders for the best way forward in terms of development of a robust and dependable Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry and access to rightly priced and stable power supply by Nigerians.
Esv.Ishaya Idi, fnivs
President
10th April, 2024
