Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has described as ill-timed and ill-advised, the increase in electricity tariffs in the country.
The increase in the tariffs took effect from September 1, 2020.
Condemning the increment, Atiku said it was an utter disregard for the challenges Nigerians were facing, particularly coming shortly after the easing of lockdown as a result of efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
“I reject the increased electricity tariffs. Coming out of the lockdown, Nigerians need a stimulus, not an impetuous disregard for the challenges they face. Many Nigerians have not earned an income for months, due to no fault of theirs. This increase is ill-timed and ill-advised,” he said.
The increase was with the approval of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC.
Speaking on the development, the Chief Operating Officer, COO, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, Mr. John Ayodele, the new tariff was commensurate and aligned with the quality and availability of power supply committed to each cluster of customers under the SRT.
He explained that the review was critical to the provision of more efficient and reliable service to customers, upgrade aging infrastructure and be more responsive to the complaints of the customers.
According to him, the new tariff plan would not only ensure the provision of better service, but promote fairness.
