At the special public hearing of the Joint House of Reps Committees on Power, Commerce, National Planning and Delegated Legislation, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and reps of Civil Society Organization all presented their positions on the policy.
Stakeholders underscores the need for an electricity sector that is efficient and reliable as being fundamental to Nigeria's infrastructure and industrial growth. They however urge government to be sensitive to the welfare of Nigerians by implementing policies that supports private sector investment and industrialization.
According to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, the over 300% increase in electricity tariff has led to the shorting down of many manufacturing industries both large and small scale due to high cost of production.
The cumulative effect of the policy on unemployment and insecurity can only be imagined.
The people's law maker, representing Demsa/Numan Lamurde Federal Constituency also described the increase in electricity tariff in Nigeria as insensitive to the suffering of the masses who are yet to cope with the impact of subsidy removal on petroleum products.
The law maker acknowledged the impact of the increase on national economic growth and productivity, unemployment and the general welfare of Nigeria's citizens assured stakeholders that the committee would review all presentations made.
During the public hearing, a representative of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission attempted to halt the proceedings on grounds of an existing Court process.
In his response Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori, being a lawyer himself clarifies that the court processes refered to cannot hinder the public hearing from continuing on the grounds that the voices of Nigerians who are not parties to the suit in court is crucial and the public hearing by the House of Reps represents such voices.
Hon. Kwamoti's clarifications was supported by Prof. Sam Amadi and other learned colleagues in the committee which allowed the public hearing to proceed unhindered.
It is hope that the outcome of the public hearing yields better reviews on the current electricity tariff regime to save manufacturing companies, workers in private sector and indeed the Nigerian populace from the further negative impacts of the regime.
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