NUEE calls recent hike in electricity tariff an absurdity

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) stated that the recent hike in electricity tariff from N68/kWh to N225/kWh was absurd in a country where many citizens grappled with basic survival and an electricity access rate of about 55 per cent. In a statement by the acting general secretary of NUEE, Dominic Igwebike, the union argued that there had not been any meaningful improvement since the privatization of the power sector. The statement said the country had an installed capacity of about 14,000mw but generated only about 4,803mw, whereas Nigeria needed at least 30,000mw to reach sufficiency. It said the additional costs were transferred to the common man, explaining that they are indirectly being exploited, notwithstanding their dwindling purchasing power and increasing impoverishment. NUEE said, “The hike in the electricity tariff is grossly detrimental to the economic diversification, growth, and well-being of Nigerians. The minimum wage in Nigeria is N30,000 while the new electricity tariff is N255 per kWh. A country that genuinely has the interest of its people at heart and wants to grow will ensure that the real sector is given the most support it can get, not putting a nail in its coffin. Furthermore, the safety of our members is at stake, as they are at risk of being attacked by people in the community when they visit for disconnections of light. The Minister of Power and NERC did not consult with the stakeholders in the sector before the increase. The minister of power has relegated himself as the spokesperson for the Discos where he is justifying cost-reflective tariffs. What of service-reflective tariffs as it relates to consumers?” As stakeholders, NUEE stated that it was unaware of the energy policy of the present administration, describing the hike in the electricity tariff as not beneficial to Nigerians and should, therefore, be withdrawn.