The Senate has initiated an investigative hearing into the recent surge in electricity tariffs across 11 states in Nigeria.
During the ongoing session at the Senate wing of the National Assembly on Monday, the Red Chamber emphasized its commitment to penalize any individual or agency found responsible for exacerbating the plight of Nigerians.
Last week, the Senate’s Committee on Power summoned the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the heads of agencies under the ministry to participate in an investigative hearing regarding the new electricity tariffs.
Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, the committee chairman, announced that the Senate had authorized an investigative hearing scheduled for April 29th, 2024. He stated, “Major government agencies will be required to provide explanations.”
“We have summoned the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to address the electricity tariff hike. The Minister of Power is also expected to appear,” Senator Abaribe added.
Addressing the investigative hearing on Monday, Senator Abaribe noted that it was prompted by two motions presented at plenary on July 25, 2023, and February 21, 2024. These motions mandated the Committee on Power to engage with the Federal Ministry of Power, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to challenges facing the Nigerian Electricity Sector, including the need for comprehensive sector reforms.
“We are also tasked with investigating the over N2 trillion subsidy requirement, as stated by the Minister of Power, to prevent a repeat of the fuel subsidy scenario. Additionally, we will probe the Ministry’s outstanding debts to generating and gas companies,” Senator Abaribe stated.
Furthermore, the committee sought answers from electricity stakeholders regarding the transition from previous customer classes to the current bands for electricity customers.
Senator Abaribe reiterated the committee’s determination to promptly carry out the assignment to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach towards anyone or any agency found culpable.