An energy expert and Executive Director of the Electricity Consumer Protection Advocacy Centre, Pricewill Okorie, has alleged that the Federal Government and electricity distribution companies (DisCos) are planning another increase in electricity tariffs for their own benefit.

Speaking in an interview with DAILY POST, Okorie reacted to the Federal Government’s planned removal of electricity subsidies across all customer bands, questioning whether the policy would solve the country’s persistent power sector challenges.

He argued that, like the removal of fuel subsidies, the proposed electricity subsidy removal would place more financial burden on Nigerians without improving electricity supply.

Okorie noted that the introduction of the Band A tariff under former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, did not result in a significant improvement in power supply despite the increase in electricity costs.

He also criticised plans by the current Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, to implement another tariff review, describing the move as being against the interest of Nigerians.

According to him, the government should focus on improving electricity supply rather than increasing tariffs.

The Federal Government had announced plans to remove electricity subsidies across all customer bands, a move expected to raise electricity bills for consumers on Bands B, C, D and E.