Enugu based residens have voiced their concerns regarding the forthcoming 40% increase in electricity tariffs, scheduled to be implemented starting from July 1st. In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, residents shared their apprehensions about the potential consequences of such a significant price surge.
One resident, Mr. Jude Emordi, who is an industrialist, expressed his worries about the proposal, stating, “The proposed increase will push up the cost of production, which will inevitably lead to a hike in the prices of manufactured goods.” He also highlighted the adverse effects it might have on small businesses, saying, “This could potentially drive many small businesses out of operation. With an increase as high as 40%, how do you think pure water producers can survive? The production costs will skyrocket.”
Mrs. Mercy Ofoma, a civil servant, recommended that the proposal be shelved temporarily. She emphasized the importance of the new administration fulfilling the promised palliative measures to mitigate the impact of oil subsidy removal. “For me, the suffering will be unbearable for poor Nigerian workers when prices across the board increase while their salaries remain stagnant,” she said. Ofoma further argued that even an upward adjustment in workers’ salaries would not alleviate the hardships they would face.
Another concerned resident, Miss Jane Okeke, a hairdresser, anticipated challenging times ahead if the planned electricity tariff hike were to proceed. She specifically highlighted the reliance on electricity for livelihood, particularly for those without prepaid meters. Okeke emphasized, “It will be difficult to survive without electricity, especially for those of us who do not use prepaid meters.” She advocated for the proposal to be put on hold until every electricity consumer is provided with a meter.
The expressed concerns of Enugu residents shed light on the potential negative ramifications of the proposed 40% increase in electricity tariffs. It remains to be seen how these concerns will be addressed and whether alternative solutions can be explored to ensure reasonable and affordable access to electricity for all residents.
NAN
