The National Assembly has prevailed on electricity distribution companies to postpone the tariff increase which was due to be implemented on July 1.
The resolution was reached at a meeting between the National Assembly leaders, including the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Chairmen of the of the Committees on Power from the Senate and House of Representatives; other principal officers of the two chambers and the Chief Executives of the government electricity regulatory body and DISCOs across the country.
In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Senate President on Media and Publicity, Ola Awoniyi, said parties agreed that the timing of the implementation of the electricity tariff hike was wrong.
“The National Assembly leaders were emphatic at the meeting that the timing of the planned hike was wrong even though there is the need to introduce a cost-reflective tariff for the power sector to attract the much-needed investment,” Awoniyi said.
“In the course of the meeting, the DISCOs too admitted that they were not well prepared for the planned hike in tariffs even though they so much desired the increase.
“The meeting agreed to defer the planned hike first quarter of next year while the leadership of the National Assembly promised to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari on the issue.”
The National Assembly leadership said, according to Punch, that it agreed that the increase in tariff was justified, but noted that the timing was not right.
“So between now and the first quarter of next year, our task will be to work together with you to ensure that we put those in place to support the eventual increase in tariffs,” Mr. Lawan said.
The West African Pilot News had reported how all electricity distribution companies had informed their customers that tariff increase would take effect from July 1.
- PHOTOS: After 48 Days in Hospital, Boy Labelled Witch and Abandoned is Discharged - August 8, 2021
- Travellers Complain Over Fly Infested Aminu Kano Airport - August 6, 2021
- Ondo 2020: Mimiko Criticises Akeredolu’s Performance - September 28, 2020