House of Reps orders suspension of proposed electricity tariff hike

The House of Representatives has asked the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to suspend the proposed increase in electricity tariffs.

The chamber passed the resolution during plenary on Thursday, following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Sani Madaki, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) from Kano.

Madaki said that the proposed tariff hike would be burdensome for Nigerians, who are already struggling to make ends meet.

The House has mandated its committee on power to engage in discussions with NERC to seek a mutual understanding and find a middle ground to address the proposed tariff hike.

The lawmakers say the House remains committed to safeguarding the interests of Nigerians and ensuring that decisions made by regulatory bodies are in line with the welfare of the citizens.

There were reports recently that electricity tariffs would be increased by 40% due to rising petrol prices.

The rumours claimed that the increase would be effective July 1.

The increase was said to be contingent on the 2022 multi-year tariff order (MYTO), which is due for a bi-annual review this month.

The MYTO is a regulatory framework that sets the prices that electricity distribution companies can charge consumers.