The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives said the hike in electricity tariffs across the country by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is insensitive, inhuman and uncalled for.

The minority leader, House of Representative, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

He said such an abrupt hike placed an unbearable burden on the already strained populace, exacerbating economic hardships and widening the chasm of inequality among the citizenry.

“Such a hike, which is over 200 per cent above the rate of inflation, utterly disregards the plight of ordinary citizens, who are grappling with the adverse effects of the removal of oil subsidy.

*We note that in the immediate aftermath of the announcement of the tariff hike, NERC claimed that the hike affects only 12 per cent of electricity consumers who enjoy a minimum of 20 hours of electricity a day.

“The truth has become stark that this is stark lie. The hike, from data put out by the DISCOS, affects all electricity consumers.”

Chinda stressed that the citizenry had been faced with galloping inflation, unemployment, and inadequate access to basic amenities.

He said, the timing of the tariff hike, amidst prevailing economic challenges, was not only insensitive but also detrimental to the well-being of Nigerians, noting that it further highlights the disconnect between policymakers and the realities faced by the masses of the people.

Chinda therefore urged President Bola Tinubu to prevail on NERC, to rescind its decision and prioritise the welfare of the people.

The minority leader said that transparent dialogue and inclusive decision-making processes were imperative to address the root causes of the energy sector’s inefficiencies and ensure sustainable solutions.

This according to him is such that it would benefit all stakeholders and not consistent and persistent increase in tariff.

He further called for increased accountability and transparency in the management of resources within the electricity sector.