FG clears air on alleged 50% electricity tariff hike

‎The Federal Government has described as inaccurate and false, reports that it had hiked electricity tariff by 50 per cent. ‎

Minister of Power, Engr. Sale Mamman, who reacted to the reports in a statement, said there is still a subsidy of 55 per cent on the electricity consumed by customers in bands D and E (who are served less than an average of 12hrs of supply per day).

He added that the government still carries out a partial subsidy on the electricity consumed by those on bands A, B and C.

The minister said, “On the 5th of January, 2021, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission issued a statement regarding erroneous and false reports by print and electronic media that approval had been granted for a 50% increase in tariff.

“I would like to affirm that these reports are inaccurate and false. It is unfortunate that these reports have led to confusion within the public.

“On the contrary, the Nigerian government continues to fully subsidise 55 per cent of on-grid consumers in bands D and E and maintain the life line tariff for the poor and underprivileged.

“Those citizens have experienced no changes to tariff rates from what they have paid historically (aside from the recent minor inflation and forex adjustment). Partial subsidies were also applied for bands A, B and C in October 2020.

“These measures are all aimed at cushioning the effects of the pandemic while providing more targeted interventions for citizens.‎

He explained that discussions between the Federal Government and labour over the electricity tariff would be concluded at the end of January 2021.

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