OPC Raises Alarm Over Planned Increase in Electricity Tariffs by DISCOs

The Oodua People's Congress (OPC) has raised the alarm over the plan by the Distribution Companies (DISCOs) in Nigeria to further increase electricity tariffs. In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Comrade Bunmi Fasehun, the OPC condemned this move as anti-people, oppressive, unjustified, and aimed at undermining the new regime of President Bola Tinubu.

The OPC called on President Tinubu to intervene and kill the DISCO's electricity price increase. This viewpoint aligns with the stance of both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), who have previously rejected such tariff increases.

Nigerians are still grappling with the removal of fuel subsidies, and increasing the cost of electricity would only further burden the citizens and paint the Tinubu administration as uncaring. The OPC emphasized the need for DISCOs to improve their service delivery and address the issue of frequent power cuts.

The DISCOs had earlier notified consumers that they should expect higher electricity tariffs from July 1st. However, due to the failure to secure the required permission from the government, the implementation of this increase has been deferred.

The OPC highlighted the fact that if DISCOs ceased their poor attitude towards service delivery and frequent power cuts, they would naturally increase their earnings. The organization criticized the current situation where consumers have to buy their own poles, transformers, cables, and prepaid meters, while DISCOs only act as rent-takers and perpetually distribute blackout.

In a bid to address these issues, the OPC advised DISCOs to learn from the telecommunications companies (TESCOS) that have significantly reduced the cost of calls and data for consumers. The OPC noted that TESCOMS made substantial investments in infrastructure independently, unlike DISCOs who inherited infrastructure from the defunct NEPA and PHCN. These investments have led to profitable returns for the telecommunications companies.

The OPC also called on DISCOs to account for the hundreds of billions of public funds that have been invested in the sector by past regimes, despite the privatization of the distribution segment of the electricity value chain. The organization stated that it is evident that the DISCOs want to reap where they did not sow, as the generation and transmission companies are largely fulfilling their responsibilities while the distribution remains problematic.

OPC President, Otunba Wasiu Afolabi, urged President Tinubu to inform DISCOs that if they cannot deliver quality services at the current tariffs, they should submit their licenses and close shop. The organization also recommended that the government should scrap the territorial monopoly, allowing consumers to choose and transfer to other DISCOs, just as it is done in the telecommunications industry and other countries. This move would foster healthy competition among DISCOs and force them to enhance service delivery to retain customers.

The OPC's plea highlights the concerns of Nigerians and stakeholders who believe that the planned increase in electricity tariffs by DISCOs is ill-advised and burdensome. It is important for the government, DISCOs, and relevant stakeholders to engage in dialogue to find a sustainable solution that truly benefits the Nigerian people.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-07-16 News

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