INCREASE IN ELECTRICITY TARIFF: TO BE OR NOT TO BE?
In the last few days, there has been serious discourse and arguments as to the increase in electricity tariff by the Nigeria Electricity Distribution Companies. On the part of the government represented by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Minister of Power, Housing and Infrastructure; a hike in the electricity tariff is the only a way for a sure and guarantee constant power supply.
In this vein, the Minister of Power, Housing and Infrastructure submitted thus:
“Importantly, I understand that people who have been disappointed over a long time will feel a sense of concern that again tariffs have gone up. But the truth is that these tariffs ought to have been there from day one. I don’t know why the government of yesterday was not courageous enough to tell us this was the price.
“It is a painful pill that I must appeal that we swallow. It is like quinine and malaria. It’s painful; it’s not sweet, I know that, but I do it because we are not left with many choices. This is the first major decision in power that this administration has taken. There are other problems.
“I can only appeal for some understanding and some trust that we do this in the best interest of our country. It is a hard decision, but I think down the line, we will have cause to look…”
To the Nigerian masses represented by the Trade Union Congress and the Nigeria Labour Congress; the move is not only uncalled for but unjustifiable in light of the present socio-economic challenges Nigerians have to grapple with in recent times. More also that the distribution companies have failed in their responsibilities to provide a stable electricity. So how can people be paying for the services which were not rendered in the first place.
Perhaps, this would not have posed a challenge if the Discos have provided the consumers with metres such that people pay for what they used and not estimated billing. Sincerely, there is urgent need for the Discos to provide Nigerians with metres.
Be that as it may, it is time for us to make the needed sacrifice if we hope to have stable electricity for if we don't, the amount we spend on generators and diesel is even more compare to the 45% increase; but we are people that like to live in deceit. To this extent, I made bold to say that the TUC and NLC does not represent my interest and quite a number of Nigerians.
Though i have my reservations on this rather sensitive topic, but i will also say that the increase in consumer tariffs across board came at a rather wrong time. The Nigerian masses are currently grappling with the realities of mis-rule over the years. The economic down turn as well as harsh and un-bearable socio-economic regimes with no accompanying efforts by successive governments to cushion the effects of these. The government at the centre through relevant agencies should first aim at stabilising power supply before thinking of raising the cost of its consumption. This price hike is not only insensitive to the plight of the suffering Nigerian masses but an attempt to test the patience of Nigerians. We need to also have it at the back of our minds, that an injuction against this price increase had been optained therefore the increase is also a blatant disrespect of our judicial system. As a matter of urgency, a complete reversal to the old price should be the starting point. In any democratic setting, the people have a say in affairs that directly concern them. We need a pro people democracy, a democracy that hears and listen to the voice of reasoning. What is worth doing at all should be done well, you don't kill the people to make things work.
ReplyDeleteMy brother, i seriously concurred with you but sometimes we may have to look at it that no matter what time a change is introduced, people will always detest it. Hence, the journey to our desired promised land we must prepare to pay the price for.
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