The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has voiced strong condemnation towards the recent decision by Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to increase electricity tariff across Nigeria.
In a statement released by NEF’s spokesman, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the forum described the tariff hike as a reckless move that disregards the welfare of the Nigerian populace.
The NEF expressed concerns that the sharp increase in electricity tariffs will disproportionately burden the already struggling population, widening the gap between the rich and the impoverished.
The forum urged the Federal Government to reconsider its decision, emphasizing the dire economic situation faced by the majority of Nigerians.
The critique from the Northern elders follows closely on the heels of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announcement regarding the increment in electricity tariff for Band A customers, who enjoy a 20-hour daily supply of electricity.
Highlighting the breakdown of the new tariff structure, NEF underscored the exorbitant costs that the average Nigerian would face in accessing electricity, with the potential monthly and yearly expenses being deemed unaffordable for many citizens.
The statement read, “Under the new tariff plan, 24 hours of electricity per day will cost a staggering N5,400, amounting to an unbearable monthly total of N162,000 and an astounding yearly total of N1,971,000.
“These exorbitant amounts are simply unaffordable for the majority of Nigerians, who are already grappling with economic hardship and trying to make ends meet.
“By implementing such exorbitant electricity tariffs, the government is effectively perpetuating a form of economic oppression that will only serve to widen the gap between the rich and the poor in Nigeria. It is imperative that this act of exploitation be firmly rejected and not be allowed to stand unchallenged.
“The decision to implement these tariffs without considering the impact on the average citizen is not only callous but also short-sighted. The resulting consequences could potentially lead to internal security threats as the disparity between the haves and the have-nots becomes more pronounced.
“The NEF strongly believes that this decision was made without carefully considering the economic realities faced by the majority of Nigerians and it highlights the government’s lack of empathy towards its citizens.
“Instead of implementing policies that would alleviate the suffering of the people, the government has chosen to further exploit them. This introduction of exorbitant electricity tariffs is not only unjust but also a clear indication of the disconnect between the government and the people they are meant to serve.
“It is a blatant display of the government’s blatant disregard for the well-being of its citizens and a betrayal of the trust placed in them.
“The NEF calls on the government to immediately reconsider this ill-conceived decision and take into account the dire economic situation faced by the majority of Nigerians.
“Nigerians must now rise up and demand accountability from their leaders, reminding them that their primary duty is to serve the people, not exploit them for personal gain,” the statement concluded.
