Nigerian Senate has kickstarted an investigative hearing into the recent hike in electricity tariffs across the country. The Senate Committee on Power, led by Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, convened the hearing on Monday, April 29, 2024, at the National Assembly in Abuja.
The move comes in response to growing public outcry over the increased financial burden imposed by the tariff hike on Nigerian households and businesses. The Senate had previously warned that it would hold accountable any agency or individual found culpable of exacerbating the suffering of citizens.
During the opening of the investigative hearing, Senator Abaribe outlined the rationale behind the probe, citing two motions presented at the Senate plenary on July 25, 2023, and February 21, 2024. These motions mandated the Senate Committee on Power to engage with the Federal Ministry of Power, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and other stakeholders in the power sector.
The investigative hearing aims to scrutinize the decision-making process behind the tariff hike and determine its impact on Nigerian consumers. The Senate’s commitment to this probe underscores the growing concerns over the affordability of electricity and its potential ramifications on economic growth and the well-being of citizens.
Notably, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and other top officials from the power sector were present at the hearing, signaling the government’s willingness to engage in the investigative process.
As the hearing progresses, stakeholders from various sectors, including consumer advocacy groups and industry experts, are expected to present their perspectives and provide insights into the tariff hike’s implications. The Senate Committee on Power will scrutinize the evidence and testimonies presented, aiming to uncover any irregularities or unjustified actions that may have contributed to the tariff increase.
The outcome of this investigative hearing could have far-reaching consequences, as the Nigerian Senate can recommend policy changes, regulatory reforms, or even punitive measures against those found responsible for unduly burdening Nigerian citizens.
Nigerian households and businesses eagerly await the probe’s findings, hoping for a fair and transparent resolution that balances the need for a sustainable power sector with the economic realities consumers face.
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Nigerian senate begins hearing on electricity tariff hike probe published in Daily Post By Matthew Atungwu