The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent the scheduled increase in electricity tariff by distribution companies in Nigeria, set to take effect from July 1. In a statement issued by OPC’s General Secretary, Bunmi Fasehun, the organization criticized the move, deeming it “anti-people, oppressive, unjustified, and aimed at discrediting the new administration of President Bola Tinubu.”
OPC President, Otunba Wasiu Afolabi, highlighted that the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria had also rejected the proposed tariff hike. Afolabi emphasized that Nigerian citizens are still grappling with the consequences of fuel subsidy removal, and increasing the electricity tariff would only add to their burdens, painting the Tinubu administration as uncaring.
Afolabi further criticized the distribution companies (DISCOs), stating that citizens are now responsible for purchasing their own poles, transformers, cables, and prepaid meters. He accused DISCOs of exploiting customers by sending exorbitant bills despite consistent power failures and a lack of adequate supply.
Instead of raising electricity tariffs, OPC urged the DISCOs to follow the example of telecommunications companies that have reduced costs for consumers in calls and data services. Afolabi demanded that the DISCOs supply prepaid meters to customers free of charge, as they have failed to do so thus far.
Afolabi also called on President Tinubu to hold the DISCOs accountable for the substantial public funds invested in the sector over the years, particularly after the privatization of the distribution segment. If the DISCOs are unable to deliver quality service with the existing tariff, Afolabi suggested that they should surrender their licenses and cease operations.
Furthermore, OPC proposed the elimination of territorial monopolies in the electricity sector, allowing consumers to choose and transfer to different DISCOs, as is the case in the telecommunications industry and other countries. This would promote competition and incentivize DISCOs to provide better services to retain customers.
The OPC’s appeal to President Tinubu highlights the growing concerns regarding the proposed electricity tariff increase and calls for a fair and consumer-centric approach to the provision of electricity in Nigeria.
