Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, on Monday admitted that the 54 per cent hike in electricity metre prices, as well as the rise in prices of gas is capable of pushing Nigerians to the wall.
He bemoaned the sudden increase, saying the mass of the people would be worst hit by the hike.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had, last week, announced a 32.8 per cent and 21.7 per cent increase in the cost of electricity meters, adding that there will an increase in the price of a single – phase meter from the current cost of N44, 896.17 to a revised price of N58, 661. 69.
This was even as it increased the price of a three-phase meter from the current cost of N82,855.19 to a revised rate Of N109, 684.36.
Aare Adams, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, lamented the new rate, maintaining that the present situation in the country does not allow any increase in the prices of such important products.
“The sudden increase in the prices of electricity metre, as well as the prices of gas could only worsen the present situation in the country”.
“It is unfortunate that Nigerians are being reaped off in such a cruel manner, especially, by a government that prides itself as government of the people. How can you explain a 54 percent increase in electricity meter prices without considering the huge effect on the mass of the people? That is very bad.
Adams, however, urged the Federal Government to desist from embarking on policies that are of no interest to the people,insisting that the timing of the increase was wrong,adding that federal government is deeply insensitive to the plights of the people.
“Nigeria is creeping badly and prices of every commodity have reached the roof top without any hope. I think it is very important for the federal government to look into the issues properly and come out with whatever outcome that can reduce the suffering of the people. “
