Recently, Nigerians were slammed a new power tariff, when they had hoped to see recourse to the hardship besieging them.
It came as a surprise to many whose earning power had already depreciated drastically.
Now, the lawmakers in the nation considered it necessary to probe that move by companies providing power.
To see whether the action was a justifiable one, the Senate Committee on Power launched an investigative hearing into the electricity tariff hike.
This move became necessary after the widespread public discontent. It signals a critical evaluation of energy pricing policies.
The hearing commenced at the National Assembly in Abuja on Monday.
According to the lawmakers, it will scrutinise the circumstances and justifications behind the increasing costs of electricity.
This high increase has added to Nigerians’ economic burdens.
The Motion
The Senate previously expressed its determination to penalise any individual or entity responsible for unjustly inflating power costs.
Now, the chairman of the committee, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, emphasised that the inquiry was prompted by two separate motions.
These motions were raised during plenary sessions on July 25, 2023, and February 21, 2024.
“This investigative hearing is fundamental to ensuring transparency and accountability in the power sector,” Senator Abaribe said.
He outlined that the Senate’s resolutions had directed the Committee on Power to closely engage with the Federal Ministry of Power, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and other key stakeholders in the industry.
Tariff Questions
Present at the hearing were notable figures, including the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.
They were barraged with questions regarding the policy decisions contributing to tariff increases.
Discussions at the session also addressed the impact of these tariffs on consumers.
Also Read: See NERC’s Conditions For Electricity Tariff Hike Reversal
Also, they explored potential regulatory measures to mitigate undue financial strain on the populace.
“The importance of this hearing cannot be overstated.
“It’s about protecting the interests of the Nigerian people and ensuring that our policies reflect fairness and necessity rather than opportunism,” Senator Abaribe added.
