The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the proposed hike in electricity tariff already approved by the Federal Government. The association rather urged government to subsidise electricity tariff.

It made the request in a press statement signed by the Vice President, Comrade Oluwatosin Ogunkuade, a copy of which was made available to News Express.

NANS in the statement blamed the challenges that Nigerians face with electricity on the Federal Government. It said: “The challenges of electricity network in Nigeria emanated from the Federal Government, as our findings revealed that MDAs owe electricity distribution companies in excess of N52 billion, which they have no mechanism for recovery. The situation which had always bounced the penalty back on the residential consumers has also created constraints for the DISCOs and other supply industries in terms of transmission funding.”

NANS further noted that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) did not follow due process in the form of adequate consultation of stakeholders before approving the over 40 percent electricity tariff hike.

The association suggested that the Federal Government bridge the gap between electricity consumers and supply industries. It believes that MDAs debt and intervention fund should be paid to the DISCOs and the Federal Government should subsidise electricity tariff until stability and a good circulation is achieved. NANS also said that “rural areas that provide transformers themselves must be compensated; also adequate sensitisation must be carried out always, to prevent cases of vandalism and electrocution.”

NANS encouraged consumers to use electricity only when they need it and to shun vandalism of electrical facilities.

•Photo shows Power Minister Babatunde Fashola.

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