JUST IN: National Assembly halts planned hike in electricity tariffs
Afnews Editor
Jun 29, 2020
The leadership of the National Assembly on Monday waded into the controversy on the planned hike in electricity tariffs from July 1st, 2020, and succeeded in convincing the Distribution Companies to defer the plan till the first quarter of 2021.
READ ALSO: NCC: Why FG Extended NIN-SIM Verification Deadline To July 26
This was contained in a statement issued late Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the Senate President on Media and Publicity, Ola Awoniyi.
READ ALSO: Powerful groups plotting invasion of South East - Ohanaeze alleges
The statement read, "The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and other principal Officers of the two Chambers met at the National Assembly with the Chief Executives of the government electricity regulatory body and DISCOs across the country.
"Also in attendance were the Chairmen of the Committees on Power from the Senate and House of Representatives.
READ ALSO: Sowore's Miscalculation and the Need to beat a Wise Retreat
"The National Assembly leaders were emphatic at the meeting that the timing of the planned hike was wrong even though there is the need to introduce a cost reflective tariffs for the power sector to attract the much-needed investment.
READ ALSO: Why El-Rufai Was Returned To ICPC Custody?
"In the course of the meeting, the DISCOs too admitted that they were not well prepared for the planned hike in tariffs even though they so much desired the increase.
READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu pardons Funke Akindele, husband, 56 others
"The meeting agreed to defer the planned hike till first quarter of next year while the leadership of the National Assembly promised to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari on the issue.ÔÇØ
"The agreement here is that there is not going to be any increase in the tariffs on July 1st,ÔÇØ Lawan said at the end of the meeting.
"The Speaker and I are going to take appropriate action and meet with the President.
READ ALSO: I Will Not Allow Criminality As President, Peter Obi Declares
"We are in agreement here that there is no question on the justification of the increase but the time is simply not right and appropriate measures need to be put in place
READ ALSO: Lauretta Onochie Finally Speaks During Senate INEC Screening, Reveals Why She Is Being Opposed
"So, between now and the first quarter of next year, our task will be to work together with you to ensure that we put those blocks in place to support the eventual increase in tariffs,ÔÇØ Lawan told the executive officers.
SOURCE
Related Stories
REVEALED: How All Progressives Congress (APC) Played Into The Opposition Hands Ahead Of 2027 - Sumner Sambo Warns
I Will Not Allow Criminality As President, Peter Obi Declares
Why El-Rufai Was Returned To ICPC Custody?
Sowore's Miscalculation and the Need to beat a Wise Retreat
Tinubu Breaks Silence on Hardship, Inflation, Power Crisis - Vows Nigeria Will Overcome Economic Storm
"Terrorists Have Outgunned Our TroopsÔÇØ - Ndume Raises Alarm Over Boko Haram War, Sends Urgent Message To Tinubu
""
— Afnews Editor