The Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to immediately suspend the recently adjusted electricity tariff. This was disclosed on Thursday in a statement by the Minister of Power, Sale Mamman. On Tuesday, NERC increased electricity tariff to be paid by power consumers nationwide. The commission claimed the adjustment was due to inflation amongst other factors. Mamman said, “The public is aware that the Federal Government and Labour Centres have been engaged in positive discussions about the electricity sector through the 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 finalized by 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 N2 per kWh and N4 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. This Administration is committed to creating a sustainable, growing, and rules-based electricity market for the benefit of all Nigerians.”
The Minister stated that the information of an increase in electricity tariff was misinterpreted by the general public.
