The Labour Party (LP) has urged the Federal Government to reconsider its decision to raise the tariff for certain electricity consumers in the country.
Mrs. Olubunmi Odesanya, the Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the party, made this plea during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Saturday.
She criticized the “astronomical” increase in tariff as unjustifiable, stating that it would not only negatively impact electricity consumers but also harm the economy.
Odesanya highlighted that Nigerians were already grappling with hardship following the removal of fuel subsidy, and the tariff hike would exacerbate their suffering.
Additionally, the party’s spokesperson suggested that if the government deemed it necessary to adjust the tariff, the increase should not exceed 25 percent.
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“Daily, Nigerians are bearing the brunt. This is simply not working. A good number of Nigerians are suffering.
“Nigerians are currently facing hardship. The government should know that people are at the heart of every government.
“This astronomical increase in electricity tariff should be reconsidered”.Odesanya said.
She urged the government to reduce the cost of governance to save funds, rather than removing subsidies.
According to her, the government must be determined in its fight against corruption and reduce poverty.
Odesanya also urged the government to increase the minimum wage for workers as that would help them cope with the rising cost of living.
NAN reports that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had on April 3 announced an increase in electricity tariff for customers enjoying a 20-hour power supply daily.
The increase means customers, classified as Band A electricity consumers, will now pay N225 per kilowatt hour as opposed to the N66 payable before the hike.