By Charles Igwe
The Nigerian Senate has dismissed the federal government’s proposal to raise electricity tariffs nationwide, following concerns raised about its potential impact on citizens.
During a plenary session on Wednesday, Senator Aminu Abbas (PDP, Adamawa Central) brought forward a motion opposing the proposed tariff hike. The motion prompted the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to rule on the matter, with a majority of senators supporting the rejection through a voice vote.
The rejection came in response to recent statements by Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, hinting at the possibility of removing subsidies on electricity due to the sector’s significant debt burden, amounting to N3 trillion.
However, senators expressed strong opposition to the idea, arguing that an increase in electricity tariffs would exacerbate the hardships faced by Nigerians. Abbas emphasized that the country’s high poverty levels and challenging economic conditions make higher electricity bills unaffordable for many citizens.
Several lawmakers echoed Abbas’s concerns, highlighting the current difficulties faced by Nigerians and the potential negative impact of removing subsidies on electricity. Senator Aminu Tambuwal, a former governor and Speaker of the House of Representatives, criticized the proposal as insensitive, considering the prevailing hardships in the country.
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Oil and Gas Host Communities has summoned the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, to discuss issues surrounding the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and address grievances of host communities.
In addition, the Senate deliberated on bills seeking to establish regional development commissions for the South West and North Central zones, which both passed second reading. Another bill seeking to establish a South East Development Commission (SEDC) also progressed, having been transmitted to the Senate by the House of Representatives.
Furthermore, the Senate screened nominees proposed by President Bola Tinubu for membership of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The nominees, who faced critical questions regarding the economy and solutions to forex volatility and food crises, are set to participate in the upcoming MPC meeting scheduled for Monday.
