The Senate Committee on Power has called upon Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the leadership of the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to address concerns regarding the recent increase in electricity tariffs.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, disclosed this during the committee’s oversight function and a familiarisation tour to the Ministry on Monday.
Abaribe emphasized the need for an investigative hearing into the recent tariff hike, expressing concerns over the persistent poor power supply in the country despite significant investments in the sector.
“The Senate has already authorised an investigative hearing scheduled for the 29th of April, 2024. The major agencies of government will answer,” stated Senator Abaribe.
“We have summoned the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). We will give them the opportunity to speak to the electricity tariff hike. The Minister of Power is, of course, expected.”
Senator Abaribe further voiced dismay at the continued challenges faced by key players in the sector and questioned why entities like the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) allowed frequent collapses of the power grid.
During the visit, the committee inspected a power project on the ministry’s premises and held discussions with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) regarding power generation and transmission issues.
Minister Adebayo Adelabu outlined various challenges plaguing the power sector, including insufficient funding, vandalism, right-of-way issues, and gas shortages, soliciting the committee’s support in addressing these challenges.
Accompanying Senator Abaribe were several senators, including Senator Dajuma Goje (Gombe Central), Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South), and Osita Izunaso (Imo West), among others.