•Asks NERC to suspend new electricity tariff
From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of State (Petroleum Resources), Heineken Lokpobiri, over the scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across the country.
This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Shehu Ajilo, at yesterday’s plenary, on “the need to address the lingering fuel scarcity and rising retail prices of PMS across Nigeria. “
Ajilo expressed worry over “the lingering fuel scarcity accompanied by excessive increase in retail price of PMS in filling stations across the country,” stating that it has increased the hardship on the people.
“This fuel scarcity is coming at a time when the adverse economic effect caused by subsidy removal and soaring inflation is yet to be addressed by the government, not to mention the deteriorating income of the Nigerian masses.
“Most worrisome is that all these economic quagmires have made the lives of average Nigerians unbearable with a litre of fuel selling as much as N1,200 in some states of the federation.
“This 10th Assembly must rise to the occasion to ensure lasting measures are taken to address this unfortunate and embarrassing situation permanently in the interest of Nigerians,” he said.
The House has also directed the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to suspend the implementation of a new electricity tariff immediately.
It also resolved to appoint a well-regarded former regulator as technical consultant to the House, to assist the parliament “develop templates for determination of the legality, reasonableness of the procedure adopted by NERC in approving the tariff increase and establishing the performance benchmarks for the Discos.”
This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance by Kama Nkemkamma, calling on the House to address the “sudden hike in electricity prices in Nigeria.”
NERC recently increased electricity tariff in the country, and segmented consumers into different bands. Nevertheless, consumers have continued to kick over the hike.
However, Nkemkamma, in his motion, said there are concerns over due process, as well as the impact of the tariff hike on customers.
He added that the motion is geared towards restoring public trust, protecting the rights of consumers and ensuring accountability in electricity supply in the country.
“What’s more concerning are the reports indicating discrepancies in customer categorisation and widespread complaints regarding inadequate service despite increased charges. This situation has not just sparked national anxiety, but it also threatens regulatory certainty and investor confidence in the sector, demanding immediate attention.
“This motion argues for legislative intervention, underlining our constitutional and moral obligations to address the crisis and alleviate the burden on Nigerian citizens. It places a strong emphasis on the legislative oversight role over NERC and the electricity utilities.”
Nkemkamma further noted that “the motion proposes resolutions to suspend the recent tariff increases, establish a special committee for hearings involving relevant stakeholders, appoint a technical consultant to assess the legality and reasonableness of NERC’s procedures, and draft a bill to improve regulatory processes in tariff setting.
“Overall, this motion underscores the importance of legislative action to address the challenges facing the electricity sector and ensure fair treatment of consumers while promoting transparency and accountability in regulatory decision-making.”