Power Sector Illegally Sold, Fashola Says

The Federal Government and labour agreed yesterday that the power sector was illegally privatised but they differed on how to redress the “illegality.”

Labour leaders are demanding for the cancellation of the sale and reversal of 45 percent increase in tariff effected in February.

However, the government said though it agreed the deal was fraudulent there were legal issues that might make it impossible to reverse the sale.

Speaking at a Senate public hearing on the electricity tariff yesterday, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, said government’s interests were illegitimately sold to some private businesses.

Nigerians to pay for only the power they consume as NERC releases new electriity tariff

Nigerians will henceforth pay for only the power they consume as the new electricity tariff released by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has removed fixed electricity charges that has constantly caused discrepancies in the billing system of meters in most Nigerian homes.

This recent development is contained in a statement released by Sam Amadi, chairman of NERC today December 21st.

Senate: Electricity firms ripping off consumers

The Senate on Tuesday,` hit hard on Electricity Distribution Companies in Nigeria accusing them of alleged conspiracy to rip off innocent Nigerians despite epileptic supplies to their homes and business premises. 

The senators vent their anger during their contributions to a debate on a motion sponsored by a former Governor of Ebonyi State who is currently representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District in the upper chamber, Senator Sam Egwu. 

The bill was titled, ‘Unfair Trade Practice of Electricity Distribution Companies in Nigeria’. 

They urged the National Electricity Regulatory Commission to inquire into numerous complaints before it by consumers, in line with the provisions of Section 74 (1)(b) of the Power Reform Act. 

The senate also asked NERC to immediately enforce the abolishment of fixed charges being collected from electricity consumers across the nation.