News
Opposition Mounts Against Electricity Tariff Hike
Various regional, professional, and trade organizations have strongly criticized the recent increase in electricity tariffs announced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Wednesday. They argue that the government has failed to consider the hardships faced by the majority of Nigerians and demand a reversal of the policy.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) expressed deep concern and disappointment over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government’s decision to significantly raise electricity tariffs in Nigeria. NEF stated that this move displays a complete disregard for the well-being of the Nigerian people and will exacerbate the gap between the rich and the poor.
They pointed out that the new tariffs would impose a heavy burden on average Nigerians, making electricity unaffordable for many who are already struggling financially. NEF criticized the government for implementing such high tariffs without considering the economic realities faced by the majority of Nigerians and warned that this could lead to internal security threats.
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) also condemned the hike in electricity tariffs, describing it as a misplacement of priorities and an anti-people policy. They warned that the increase could lead to unrest and called on the government to revert to the old tariff structure and focus on stabilizing the economy.
Similarly, the Association of Table Water Producers of Nigeria (ATWAP) criticized the 300% increase in electricity tariffs approved by NERC, stating that it would further raise production costs. They urged the government to provide support to businesses affected by the hike and reassess its strategies for revenue generation.
The Senate assured that it would not ignore the grievances of Nigerians regarding the increase in electricity tariffs and would take appropriate action upon receiving reports from its relevant committees. They emphasized their commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and promised to consider their interests in any decision-making process.
In response to the tariff increase, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (Ikeja Electric) released data showing areas in Lagos categorized under Band ‘A’ that would be affected by the new tariff structure. These areas represent a significant portion of the electricity consumers in the country and are currently enjoying consistent power supply.
Dangote Refinery has announced that it will need to export 95-97 percent of its Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) due to low interest from Nigerian marketers. The refinery, which processes 650,000 barrels per day, revealed that only 3 to 5 percent of petrol marketers are purchasing its fuel.
Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, shared these details during an X Space session hosted by Nairametrics on Wednesday. He highlighted the challenges facing both the Dangote Refinery and Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Edwin explained, “I’m selling 2 to 3 percent to small traders who are willing to buy, while the remaining 95 to 97 percent has to be exported,” referring to the local sales of the refinery’s products.
This situation arises as the NNPCL’s deadline for adjusting the Dangote Refinery’s fuel distribution approaches without a clear plan in sight. It is worth noting that while Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has announced the refinery’s initial petrol rollout, its distribution to marketers is contingent upon NNPCL’s decisions.
The final sixteen teams for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia have been determined following the conclusion of the group stage.
In recent matches, Ghana triumphed over New Zealand with a score of 3-1, and Japan secured a 2-0 victory against Austria.
As a result, Japan has advanced to the Round of 16, joining the other 15 teams in this knockout stage.
The Round of 16 matches are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
The full lineup for the Round of 16 is as follows:
- Spain vs Canada
- Brazil vs Cameroon
- Colombia vs South Korea
- Mexico vs USA
- North Korea vs Austria
- Germany vs Argentina
- Netherlands vs France
- Japan vs Nigeria
The Nigerian Army has refuted claims of widespread resignations among its soldiers due to issues like corruption and low morale.
In a statement, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, dismissed these reports as unfounded.
A news outlet had alleged that numerous Nigerian soldiers were resigning because of corruption and low morale. However, the statement condemned these allegations as misleading and a deliberate attempt to create discontent and undermine the Nigerian Army’s reputation and the dedication of its personnel.
Major General Nwachukwu clarified that, similar to other military organizations worldwide, service in the Nigerian Army is voluntary rather than mandatory. This means that personnel have the freedom to resign following established procedures.
He explained that the resignation process allows personnel to prepare and manage their entitlements, including pensions and gratuities, as outlined in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers).
Contrary to the report’s implications, the statement emphasized that Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is a priority under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
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