Written by . Tuesday, 28 June 2011 00:00
A cross section of Abuja residents on Sunday in Abuja reacted to the proposed increase in electricity tariff.
They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the hike is welcomed as long as government ensures constant supply of the product.
Mr Shams Gabrielle, a hair stylist at Area 1 shopping complex, who said electricity supply to his area had been reliable in the past month, expressed hope that the increase would further improve supply.
“If there will be constant electricity, then there is no big deal about the increase in tariff, he said.
A welder, Mr Oluwaseun John, said electricity bill should not be a source of concern to consumers as long as government satisfies them through regular supply the product.
“The new increase is ok because if we can get electricity regularly, I think we will be okay with it.
“The generator we are using cannot carry more than two welding machines but if it is electricity, it can carry even 10 of the machines,’’ he said.
Mr Steve Udok, a dry cleaner at Jabi market, also called on government to ensure regular power supply.
“If there is constant electricity, we do not care about the price,’’ he said.
Mr Danielle Patrick, another welder at Jabi market, said that although the hike is acceptable to him, it would make him increase the price of the services he renders to his customers.
However, Mr Ernest Eze, a grinding machine operator at Jabi market, urged government not to increase the tariff, adding that the new prices are “too high.”
He argued that it would bring more hardship to the “common man” in the society.
A resident of Abuja, who pleaded anonymous, described power supply as the most important area the federal government should concentrate on for the development of the country.
Announcing the upward review of tariff on Thursday, the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said the increase was meant to make the power sector more attractive to investors.
NERC chairman Samuel Amadi added that the increase became imperative because investors had been complaining of low tariff in the country.
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Mixed reactions greet increase in electricity tariff