Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the recent hikes in electricity tariffs imposed by the Tinubu administration will exacerbate the suffering of Nigerians already grappling with economic challenges.
In a strongly worded statement signed personally by Atiku, the former Presidential candidate of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticized the government for implementing reforms without adequate preparation and mitigation plans to cushion the impact on citizens.
Atiku pointed out that the timing of the electricity tariff hikes couldn’t be worse, coinciding with the withdrawal of fuel subsidies and the depreciation of the domestic currency.
He argued that the government has failed to address the hardships resulting from these measures before introducing further tariff increases.
“The hike in electricity tariff will create more difficulties for the citizens as inflationary pressures are elevated,” Atiku declared.
Moreover, Atiku expressed concerns about the adverse effects of the tariff hikes on the manufacturing sector, stating that businesses would face higher operational costs due to increased electricity expenses, elevated interest rates on loans, and rising wages following the implementation of the new minimum wage.
Atiku warned that the government’s reforms, lacking a human touch, risk plunging the economy into a deeper crisis.
He called for a thorough examination of the root causes of inefficiencies in the power sector before implementing further reforms, advocating a reassessment of the privatization process that led to the establishment of Distribution Companies (DISCOs).
While criticizing the Tinubu administration’s approach, Atiku also offered constructive suggestions, urging the government to sequence its reforms and implement measures to mitigate the adverse effects of tariff hikes on the populace.
Additionally, Atiku called upon President Tinubu to hold the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) accountable for ensuring improved service delivery in the power sector, stressing the importance of addressing systemic issues to enhance efficiency and reliability.
As Atiku’s voice joins the chorus of dissent against the electricity tariff hikes, it underscores growing concerns about the economic hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians and the need for policymakers to prioritize citizens’ welfare in decision-making processes.
