By Halimat Isah
The Senate has slammed the Ministry of Power on its plan to increase electricity prices, owing to the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians.
They also opposed the federal government’s decision to end electricity subsidies and urged the government to drop the idea of raising tariffs.
Addressing the issue on the floor of the house in their last sitting, the Senate instructed the power committee to look into the N2 trillion needed for subsidy payments, debts in the sector, and the state of metering nationwide.
The representative of Adamawa Central, Senator Aminu Abbas who led the motion, stressed the importance of sustaining electricity subsidies because of the present day tough economic times.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, had earlier maintained that the current subsidy payments might not be possible due to the sector’s growing debts to power and gas companies, totaling over N3 trillion.
Speaking further, Senator Abbas expressed concerns about the proposed tariff increase, especially its impact on the poor, who are already struggling with low wages and high inflation.
Criticising the electricity distributors for charging customers without providing adequate service and for questionable billing practices.
Senators Aminu Tambuwal and Orji Kalu also spoke against raising tariffs during difficult times, advocating for improvement of infrastructure instead.
They pointed out that even developed countries subsidise electricity, questioning why higher tariffs should be imposed on consumers who may lack reliable electricity.
