The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has criticized the President Bola Tinubu administration for raising electricity tariffs in the country.
NEF called the tariff increase reckless and a disregard for the well-being of Nigerians.
NEF, through its spokesman Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, stated that the sharp increase in electricity tariffs will harm the already struggling population, widening the gap between the rich and the poor.
The group urged the Federal Government to rethink this decision, considering the tough economic conditions faced by most Nigerians.
NEF responded two days after NERC announced an increase in electricity prices for Band A customers, who receive 20 hours of electricity per day.
The Northern elders expressed concern about the high cost of electricity for the average Nigerian.
The statement read: “Under the new tariff plan, 24 hours of electricity per day will cost a staggering N5,400, amounting to an unbearable monthly total of N162,000 and an astounding yearly total of N1,971,000.
“These exorbitant amounts are simply unaffordable for the majority of Nigerians, who are already grappling with economic hardship and trying to make ends meet.
“By implementing such exorbitant electricity tariffs, the government is effectively perpetuating a form of economic oppression that will only serve to widen the gap between the rich and the poor in Nigeria. It is imperative that this act of exploitation be firmly rejected and not be allowed to stand unchallenged.
“The decision to implement these tariffs without considering the impact on the average citizen is not only callous but also short-sighted. The resulting consequences could potentially lead to internal security threats as the disparity between the haves and the have-nots becomes more pronounced.
“The NEF strongly believes that this decision was made without carefully considering the economic realities faced by the majority of Nigerians and it highlights the government’s lack of empathy towards its citizens.
“Instead of implementing policies that would alleviate the suffering of the people, the government has chosen to further exploit them. This introduction of exorbitant electricity tariffs is not only unjust but also a clear indication of the disconnect between the government and the people they are meant to serve.
“It is a blatant display of the government’s blatant disregard for the well-being of its citizens and a betrayal of the trust placed in them.
“The NEF calls on the government to immediately reconsider this ill-conceived decision and take into account the dire economic situation faced by the majority of Nigerians.
“Nigerians must now rise up and demand accountability from their leaders, reminding them that their primary duty is to serve the people, not exploit them for personal gain”.
