PDP describes electricity tariff increase as toxic New Year’s gift to Nigerians

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the proposed increase in electricity tariff by the federal government will worsen the suffering of Nigerians.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announced a review of the multi-year tariff order (MYTO) 2015 and the minimum remittance order (MRO). From April, 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) will adjust their tariffs upwards.

In a statement on Sunday, Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP spokesperson, described the increase as a toxic New Year’s gift to Nigerians.

He said the action is injurious to the well-being of Nigerians and that it will further lead to economic crisis.

“It is lamentable that Nigerians, who are already suffering the devastating negative impact of the recent increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 5 percent to 7.5 by the APC administration, are now being further suppressed with increased electricity tariff,” Ologbondiyan said.

“Our party holds that the increase in electricity tariff, under the prevailing harsh economic conditions, is injurious to the wellbeing of Nigerians as it will further stress the productive sector and lead to an upsurge in the cost of regular and essential goods and services, including food, medicine, housing, education and other critical needs.

“This APC policy, if allowed, will worsen the suffering of Nigerians as it will put more stress on already overburdened families, cripple businesses, result in job losses and exacerbate the prevailing frightening unemployment rate under the Buhari administration.

“Moreover, the PDP invites Nigerians to note that this toxic and distasteful ‘new year gift’ by the APC administration, at a time Nigerians are coming back from yuletide festivities, shows that the APC is indeed unfeeling, insensitive and have no iota of regard for the sensibilities and wellbeing of our citizens.”