By Jemimah Oriogun, JKNMedia Reporter
THE Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has been directed by the House of Representatives to halt the enforcement of the recently approved tariff hike.
This decision follows the passage of a motion of urgent public importance, initiated by a lawmaker, representing the Labour Party from Ebonyi State, Nkemkanma Kama.
NERC had previously sanctioned an increase in electricity tariff for customers classified under Band A.
Effective April 3, customers falling under this category, receiving 20 hours of electricity daily were slated to pay N225 per kilowatt (KW), a significant jump from the previous rate of N66.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, defended the tariff adjustment during a session with the Senate Committee on Power.
Adelabu argued that the government’s financial constraints compelled the decision, emphasizing that sustaining power subsidies was no longer viable.
He further outlined the necessity of substantial investments, estimating a requirement of $10 billion annually over the next decade for sector stability.
Adelabu asserted that the tariff revision has attracted investor interest to the electricity sector, citing it as a pivotal element in sector revitalization.
