JUST IN: FG directs NERC to suspend adjusted tariff
The Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to suspend the recently adjusted electricity tariff.
The Minister of Power , Sale Mamman , made this known in a statement on TThursda.
NERC had on Tuesday increased the electricity tariff payable by power consumers across the country . The hike in tariff which varies, based on different consumer classes , took effect from January 1 , 2021.
The regulatory agency blamed the N 2 to N 4 adjustment in tariff on inflation and movement in foreign exchange rates . Labour unions have threatened showdown over the development , saying the government was insensitive to the plight of Nigerians , considering the fact that there was an increment last two months.
But in the statement on Thursday , the minister said there was a committee working on the new electricity tariff regime and the committee should be allowed to complete its work before any development or adjustment.
Mamman , therefore , directed NERC to suspend the recent increment until the committee concludes its work by end of January.
He said, “ The public is aware that the Federal Government and the Labour Centers have been engaged in positive discussions about the electricity sector through a joint ad -hoc Committee led by the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity and Co -Chaired by the Minister of State for Power. Great progress has been made in these deliberations which are set to be concluded at the end of January, 2021.
“ To promote a constructive conclusion of the dialogue with the Labour Centers ( through the Joint Ad – Hoc Committee ) , I have directed NERC to forestall the implementation of the duly performed minor review ( which adjusted tariffs between N 2 per kWh and N 4 per kWh ) until the conclusion of the Joint Ad Hoc Committee ’s work at the end of January 2021.
“ This will allow for the outcome of all resolutions from the Committee to be implemented together . The Administration is committed to creating a sustainable , growing, and rules -based electricity market for the benefit of all Nigerians .”