By Kamil Opeyemi
The presidential candidate of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party, Atiku Abubarkar has joined the growing list of critics faulting the decision of Tibubu’s led administration to hike in electricity tariff.
Recall that, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Council (NERC) days ago jacked up the tariff for Band A consumers – those who enjoy at least 20 hours daily supply of power – as part of moves to stop the payment of subsidy on electricity.
In his reaction via his X handle, Atiku said reforms embarked by thd Tinubu’s led administration are without human face adding that the hike in Electricity Tarrif will further compound the economic woes of a country battling surging inflation levels pegged at 31.70 per cent.
“The increase in electricity tariff comes at a time when Nigerian citizens are going through excruciating difficulties occasioned by the withdrawal of subsidy on PMS and floating of the domestic currency,” Atiku wrote
“The government has not successfully dealt with the pains associated with the implementation of those measures, and now this. The hike in electricity tariff will create more difficulties for the citizens as inflationary pressures are elevated.
“Our manufacturing sector will similarly be impacted negatively. Not only are they paying higher interest rates on their bank loans but also paying more for diesel, paying higher wages as a result of the new minimum wage. The President’s men are pushing the economy into a deeper crisis. His reforms are without a human face.”
While advising President Tibubu on what to do, Atiku argued that the rise in tariffs won’t solve the challenges of the sector.
“It is important that we understand the root cause of the inefficiencies in the power sector before unleashing another dose of reforms. It is time to revisit the privatization exercise that produced the DISCOs,” the former vice president said.
“Tinubu must (a) ensure that these reforms are sequenced, (b) implement measures to mitigate the pain, and (c) hold the NERC responsible for ensuring improved service delivery.”