The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has voiced opposition to what it characterizes as an electricity tariff hike that is detrimental to the masses.
The increase, deemed ill-timed by the group, was firmly opposed due to the existing hardships experienced by the populace. CUPP condemned it as another burdensome increase, emphasizing the government’s obligation to prioritize the populace’s well-being.
The group conveyed its sentiment in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Peter Ameh Yakubu.
The group condemned the move as anti-people, anti-small businesses, and likely to exacerbate poverty.
It also predicted that the increase would extend beyond Band A consumers, burdening low-income earners further.
Furthermore, it warned of potential inflationary effects and questioned the composition and effectiveness of the government’s economic advisory councils in addressing the nation’s economic growth and welfare concerns.
The statement read: “This government is very insensitive. They have no economic plans for the growth of the economy.
“They do not think about the effect of a lazy policy of solving immediate downstream sectors.
“Now, the cost of production by local manufacturers is inevitably going to increase; some factories will close up or relocate.
“Which will further worsen the dollar-naira ratio that Tinubu is using the romance economy to solve.
“The government, through NERC, introduced the increase to anti-people, anti-small businesses and anti-social welfare measures which will further push our people into multidimensional poverty.
“Remember that earlier in the year the World Bank and IMF came out to ask the Nigerian government to end the subsidy on electricity.
“The introduction of Band A, which covers about 15% of all consumers in Nigeria and which in reality does not exist (because no area or part of Nigeria enjoys anything close to 20 hours of electricity) might not even end there.
“As time goes on, the government, through NERC, will extend the increase to the non-Band A customers, increasing the burden to the already worsening situation of the masses.
“This may not be at the rate of 240%, but definitely, there will be an increase in the groaning low-income earners. This astronomical increase is unexpected and will likely continue to unleash harsh economic effects on our people.
“The effects of the 240% tariff increase on Band A consumers is that it will trigger a cost-push inflation whereby the cost of the tariff imposed on the producers of goods and services will be pushed to consumers.
“I wonder if Tinubu has economic councils, and if he does, are they made up of seasoned political economists and market strategists?
“They appear to lack sensitivity and foresight when it comes to economic planning for the nation’s growth and the people’s welfare.“
Source: Naija News
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