The Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, has dismissed the decision of the Federal Government to increase electricity tariff by 300 percent as not only insensitive but also anti-people.
Under the new electricity tariff regime, Band A customers are to henceforth pay N225 per kilowatt hour (KWh) as against N68/KWh.
Band A customers are those proven to enjoy 20 hours power supply daily while a kilowatt hour (kWh) represents the energy consumed by a 1,000-watt or 1-kilowatt electrical appliance operating for 1 hour.
The National Electric Regulatory Commission (NERC) has just approved the increase in the electricity tariff paid by Band A customers.
The increase, according to the commission, only affects about 15 per cent electricity consumers in the country proven to enjoy 20 hours power supply daily.
NERC explained that the tariff hike would not affect customers on bands B and C, adding that customers not affected by the rate review would not be neglected as they would still continue to get service.
The NERC further said that the commission had downgraded some customers on the Band A to Band B due to the non-fulfillment of the required hours of electricity provided by the electricity distribution company.
But reacting to the new policy, the PRP said the drastic hike, coming on the heels of the removal of fuel subsidies and massive devaluation of the Naira, which have brought increases in costs of living and resultant hardship to the populace, was an unconscionable burden on the already struggling Nigerian populace.
It said it was unimaginable that the government would impose such life-frustrating policies on a nation that was already on its knees.
The PRP, therefore, called on the government to reconsider this decision and prioritize the well-being of its citizens.
It also urged the authorities to explore alternative solutions that would not further exacerbate the suffering of Nigerians.
The party was of the opinion that the current economic situation demands empathy, understanding, and a collective effort to uplift the people, not policies that push them deeper into hardship.
It added: “As a party that champions the welfare of the people, we express our deep concern and share the shock felt by millions of Nigerians who are grappling with the harsh realities of survival.
“This decision by the government is not only insensitive but also demonstrates a blatant disregard for the plight of the citizens.
“The removal of fuel subsidies has already made life unbearable for Nigerians, and the additional burden of a 300% increase in electricity tariffs is a merciless and ruthless policy at a time when the majority of the population is struggling to meet their basic needs like food.
“It is unimaginable that the government would impose such life-frustrating policies on a nation that is already on its knees,” the party added.
