NGO opposes proposed increase in electricity tariff

A human rights group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed increase in electricity tariff.The Executive Director of SERAP, Mr Adetokunbo Mumuni, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the hike would have a drastic effect on small-scale businesses.He said that the new electricity tariff would further impoverish more Nigerians.NAN reported that that new tariff would come into effect as from June 1.``Small-scale business people, such as artisans and petty traders, who depend on electricity will be more affected.``Unfortunately, these people constitute the bulk of the Nigerian population.``As far as SERAP is concerned, the increment violates the socioeconomic interests and rights of Nigerians as guaranteed by the constitution,'' Mumuni said.He said that there was no justification for the increment because there was no corresponding improvement in the supply of electricity to the people.Mumuni advised the government to reverse the policy in the interest of Nigerians and look for a better alternative to actualise its power sector reform.``The reform cannot be actualised by merely increasing electricity tariff.``The government should also not forget that this increment is coming barely six months after the pump price of petrol was increased from N65 to N97 per litre.``The government should put on hold the implementation of the new price regime," Mumuni advised.
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