Engr. Saleh Mamman, Minister of Power, has explained that the suspension of take-off of the new electricity tariff hike till next three months was in line with President’ Muhammadu Buhari’s announcement of March 29 granting a moratorium for certain Federal Government’s funded facilities to the Nigerian public.
Mamman, who stated this in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, explained further that the decision was one of several critical actions the administration was taking to ensure citizens had power supply in this difficult time.
Recall that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, apparently bowing to pressure, had earlier in the day, announced suspension of electricity tariff hike expected to have commenced today to June 30, 2020.
The minister said: “The 3-month delay in the implementation of tariff measures is consistent with His Excellency the President’s announcement on March 29th granting a moratorium for certain Federal Government funded facilities to the Nigerian public.
“I will also commend players in the NESI that have made commitments to ensuring stable power supply in this period.
“We must work together. I must specifically commend the Distribution Companies that have a direct interface with the citizens. Many of the Distribution Companies have announced that they will take measures to maintain power supply to citizens in this difficult time.
“I would like to implore that the DISCOs uphold these commitments. Key Emergency measures being taken to support the NESI (Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry) are as follows.
“Delay in tariff actions for 3-months to limit economic hardship on Nigerians in this difficult time. Ongoing engagements with key players involved in the NESI to ensure sustainable power supply.
“We are working with the CBN to ensure payments to the generators and gas suppliers through the Payment Assurance Facility (PAF) are expedited to support power supply.
“TCN is creating emergency measures to ensure staff will be available to monitor the grid and perform technical interventions.
“Based on feedback of Nigerians through the Public Hearings on Tariffs, the Ministry acknowledges the sentiment from consumers.
“Nigerians are willing to pay for services rendered by the DISCOs, but this willingness is conditioned on definite improvement in quality of supply and adequate metering.
“The Ministry is supportive of measures taken by NERC to transition to a “service reflective” tariff system in the NESI. The Ministry is engaging with NERC to ensure:
“The “service reflective” tariff is implemented with equity, DISCOs must present plans for improving service across their entire network.
