By Joan Nwagwu
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), has bemoaned the hike in electricity tariff in the country.
Mr Etim Okon, National President of ASCSN, said this while reacting to the new increase in tariff with newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recall that the Federal Government on April 3, announced the new increase in electricity tariff.
Okon described the new policy as a “misplacement of priority, anti-people policy and unacceptable”.
According to him, the hike in the electricity tariff from N66/kwh to N225/kwh for those who enjoy electricity supply for 20 hours per day is totally unacceptable and a recipe for unrest.
“This shows clearly that Nigeria is not ready for 24 hours electricity supply.
“I think that the policy is not right especially at this time of socioeconomic challenges where the cost of living is very exorbitant and the salary of the workers remained static.
“Today, we are still battling with the fuel subsidy removal without any corresponding remedy and yet the increase in the electricity tariff without even the supply of electricity,” he said.
He said the federal government was prioritising revenue generation over the welfare of Nigerians who are currently struggling to survive.
He noted that government, in the announcement, had said that the planned hike in electricity tariff would ensure at least 20 hours of power supply.
Okon, therefore, advised government to find ways of stabilising the economy before thinking of how to generate more revenue through taxation.
He urged the government to reconsider its stance and reverse to the old tariff
“If the labour union calls for protest, government will say we are being insensitive but without consultation they just woke up and announced increase in price of electricity.
“No worker now can boast of anything with N30,000 minimum wage.
“The calculation on ground and the high cost of living have already consumed everything before they even make the announcement so where are we going from here.
“Government must reverse to the former tariff and allow the economy to have some level of stability,” he said. (NAN)
