Senate Summons Adelabu, NERC Over Electricity Tariff Hike. The Senate Committee on Power has summoned the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) leadership over the recent electricity tariff hike.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, announced this decision on Monday during the committee’s oversight function and a familiarization tour to the Minister.
The Senate Committee on Power has called upon the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and officials from the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to address concerns regarding the recent electricity tariff increase.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Chairman of the Committee, disclosed this during a routine oversight visit to the Minister.
Abaribe emphasized the need for the minister and NERC representatives to appear before the committee for an investigative hearing on the tariff hike.
He expressed concern about the persisting challenges in the power sector despite substantial investments.
The Senator highlighted the upcoming investigative hearing scheduled for April 29, 2024, where NERC and other relevant agencies will provide insights into the tariff adjustments.
He underscored the importance of addressing issues such as the frequent collapse of the power grid.
During the visit, the committee inspected ongoing power projects and engaged in discussions with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) regarding power generation and transmission challenges.
Minister Adelabu outlined various obstacles hindering the sector’s progress, including funding shortages, vandalism, right-of-way issues, and gas shortages. He called for the committee’s support in overcoming these challenges and fulfilling the ministry’s objectives.
Accompanying Senator Abaribe were other committee members, including Senator Dajuma Goje, Senator Simon Lalong, and Senator Osita Izunaso.