The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) expressed strong disapproval of the recent increase in electricity tariffs in the country.
Etim Okon, the national president of ASCSN, stated that the new rates are completely unacceptable.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announced on Wednesday that there will be a hike in electricity tariffs for high-end customers.
Musliu Oseni, the vice chairman of NERC, mentioned that customers in Band A, who receive 20 hours of electricity daily, will now pay N225 per kilowatt (kW) instead of N66, starting on April 3.
Okon criticized the timing of this policy, especially with the current high cost of living crisis in the country following the removal of petrol subsidies.
He described the new policy as being against the interests of the people and a misplacement of government priorities.
“This shows clearly that Nigeria is not ready for 24 hours electricity supply,” Okon said.
“I think that the policy is not right especially at this time of socioeconomic challenges where the cost of living is very exorbitant and the salary of the workers remained static.
“Today, we are still battling with the fuel subsidy removal without any corresponding remedy and yet the increase in the electricity tariff without even the supply of electricity.”
He mentioned that the federal government is focusing more on making money than on helping Nigerians who are facing difficulties.
Okon urged the government to go back to the previous tariff.
He also stated that the government should first stabilize the economy before trying to increase revenue through taxes.
“If the labour union calls for protest, government will say we are being insensitive. But without consultation, they just woke up and announced increase in price of electricity,” he added.
“No worker now can boast of anything with N30,000 minimum wage.
“The calculation on ground and the high cost of living have already consumed everything before they even make the announcement, so where are we going from here?
“Government must revert to the former tariff and allow the economy to have some level of stability.”
