The Nigerian Senate has opposed the Ministry of Power’s proposal to increase electricity tariff and remove subsidy from electricity, citing the current economic hardship in the country.

In a resolution passed during plenary, the Senate called on the Federal Government to halt plans for an electricity tariff hike and retain the subsidy on electricity for the foreseeable future.

The upper chamber also directed its Committee on Power to investigate the N2 trillion subsidy requirement as stated by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and other debts owed in the sector. Additionally, the committee will assess the state of metering in the country.

Minister Adelabu had disclosed that Nigeria’s power sector indebtedness to electricity-generating companies and gas companies had surpassed N3 trillion, making it unsustainable to maintain the current electricity subsidy.

The Senate’s resolution, initiated by Senator Aminu Abbas (PDP, Adamawa Central), reflects concerns about the economic implications of electricity tariff hikes and the need to prioritize the welfare of Nigerian citizens amidst prevailing economic challenges.