The Senate has launched an investigative hearing into the recent increase in electricity tariffs in 11 states across Nigeria. The Red Chamber, meeting at the Senate wing of the National Assembly, stated its commitment to penalize anyone or agency found responsible for adding to the burden and suffering of Nigerians.
Last week, the Senate, through its Committee on Power, invited the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and heads of agencies under the ministry to the investigative hearing on the new electricity tariffs. Senator Eyinnaya Ababribe, the committee chairman, announced that the Senate had authorized the investigative hearing, scheduled for April 29, 2024. He emphasized that major government agencies, including the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), were expected to participate.
Speaking at the hearing, Senator Abaribe highlighted that the investigation was prompted by two motions presented at plenary in July 2023 and February 2024. The Senate resolutions mandated the Committee on Power to engage with the Federal Ministry of Power, NERC, and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to challenges facing the Nigerian Electricity Sector, including the need for comprehensive sector reforms.
The committee aims to investigate issues such as the over N2 trillion subsidy requirement as stated by the Minister of Power, the Ministry's debt of N1.3 trillion to generating companies, and $1.3 billion owed to gas companies. Additionally, the committee seeks answers regarding the failed agreement between the Ministry of Power, NERC, and ZIGLAKS COMPANY to provide meters and ensure Nigerians are not shortchanged. The committee also seeks clarity on the transition of customer classes from the previous Residential, Commercial, and Demand classes to the present Bands (A, B, C) for electricity customers.
Senator Abaribe reiterated the committee's commitment to urgently carry out its assignment to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians and promised to sanction anyone or agency found culpable in the process.
