The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to place public tertiary institutions on a Band ‘C’ or lower Service-Based Tariff (SBT) to alleviate the financial strain caused by rising electricity costs.
The resolution followed a motion introduced by Rep. Abubakar Hassan Fulata during Thursday’s plenary.
Rep. Fulata expressed concern over the impact of these rising costs on institutions already struggling with limited federal funding.
“The recent hike in electricity tariffs, along with power cuts for institutions unable to meet the payments, have plunged many into darkness, jeopardizing important equipment and the safety of students and staff,” he stated.
He further warned of the repercussions if electricity costs remain high, cautioning that institutions may be forced to raise fees, which he said could lead to “violent resistance from students with potentially grave consequences for the country.”
Following debate on the motion, the House urged the federal government to direct NERC, DisCos, and other related agencies to halt further billing or power disconnection under the current tariff for these institutions.
They also called for a reversal of the Service-Based Tariff, recommending that institutions be moved to Band ‘C’ or Band ‘D’ to mitigate the financial impact.
