By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
About two years after the removal of electricity subsidy, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, has stressed the need for the Federal Government to provide subsidies on electricity tariffs for less-privileged Nigerians.
Obi spoke on Sunday when he visited Bauchi State in North-East Nigeria where he inaugurated a borehole project in the Sabon Layi Community on the outskirt of Bauchi metropolis.
The Federal Government removed subsidy on electricity since 2022.
However, Obi argued that if there was an absolute necessity for an increase in tariffs, it should solely target individuals with the financial wherewithal, rather than burdening those who are already struggling further.
Highlighting the importance of supporting small businesses and promoting economic growth, he further stressed the need for concerted effort to generate more power.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, on April 3, 2024 increased electricity tariff for customers enjoying 20 hours power supply daily.
Customers in this category are said to be under the Band A classification. The increase will see the customers paying N225 kilowatt per hour from the current N66, or over N5,000 daily, a development that has been heavily criticised by many Nigerians, considering the immediacy of the tariff hike and the current hardship in the land.