By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Even as most Nigerians have expressed worry over recent increase in the electricity tariff by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, the Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, the Vice Chairman Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission Sanusi Garba and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, have disagreed over the benefits in electricity Tariff increase as claimed by the power minister.
This happened yesterday during the house of representatives joint committees on Power, Commerce, National Planning and Delegated Legislation conveyed a Public Hearing on Electricity Tariff by Electricity stakeholders in the country.
It would be recalled that over 200 percent electricity price hike by the NERC in January 2024 has pitched it against the Nigeria Labour Congress and the manufacturer association of Nigeria which are currently contemplating an industrial action against the government.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas who was represented by the deputy speaker. Hon. Benjamin Kalu while declaring the hearing open urged stakeholders to feel free and make their contributions for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians.
Speaker Abbas had explained during the public hearing that the purpose of the event was to enable Nigerians and most especially critical stakeholders make meaningful contributions as well as dialogue on issues of power in order for the government to make useful decision and policies.
The speaker who observed absence of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, further explained that the duo should have been visibly present to enable them contribute their comments and opinions toward a better Nigeria.
He lamented that many unions and associations are always quick to criticise government decision and policies even trying to paint the government black.
In his welcome address, the lead Chairman of the joint committees Hon. Victor Nwokolo explained the importance of the hearing and the reason for their committees intervention.
The lawmaker said the committees have carefully invited key stakeholders to ensure effective workable recommendations that will assist government in decision making.
In his presentation, the minister of power Adebayo Adelabu said his ministry has collaborated with that the Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Sanusi Garuba for presentation even as he noted that Nigerians will benefit massively from the recent tariff increase by NERC.
A mile drama however ensued during the public hearing as the minister of power and the representative of NERC, Sanusi Garuba informed the parliament about a case in the court instituted against them by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, claiming that it would amount to subjudice if they make public presentation.
The former Chairman of NERC, Sam Amadi who is also a lawyer informed lawmakers that there is no court order that can prevent the parliament from carrying out its legislative duties.
He said there would be no subsidies in the matter as claimed by the minister of power and NERC urging the lawmakers to move on with the public hearing.
Ahmed Abdulkadir, Executive Committee Member of MAN did not support the tariff increment saying that such an increment have affected Nigerians negatively.
He says over 300 thousand companies have been closed down with over 380,000 jobs lost since the tariff hike in the country.
