Atiku Abubakar, a former vice-president of Nigeria, has condemned the upward review of electricity tariff in the country, saying Nigerians need a stimulus, not an impetuous disregard for the challenges they face.

President Muhammadu Buhari approved the implementation of the cost-reflective electricity tariff for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) in August, which took effect on Tuesday, September 1.

The new tariff regime, which is expected to be reviewed quarterly, was increased to enable customers who are willing to pay more to enjoy longer hours of electricity supply, standard voltage profile and faster fault clearance timeliness.

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While reacting to this, Atiku described the increment as “impetuous disregard for the challenges” faced by Nigerians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I reject the increased electricity tariffs. Coming out of the lockdown, Nigerians need a stimulus, not an impetuous disregard for the challenges they face. 

“Many Nigerians have not earned an income for months, due to no fault of theirs. This increase is ill-timed and ill-advised,” he said.

The electricity tariff review was still in subject when the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, also increased the depot price of petrol from N138.62 to N151.56 per litre.

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The last price increases was on August 5, when the price was moved from N143.50 to N148.5 per litre.

Some relevant organizations, groups and individuals have also reacted to the sudden spike in fuel and electricity prices amid the coronavirus pandemic.

NLC among others rejected the increment in the pump price of petrol from N148.50 per litre to N162, saying it is “like adding insult to injury.”

NLC president, Ayuba Wabba, while reacting to the development in Abuja, on Wednesday, said the association was shocked about the hike and it is coming at the wrong time.

“It is like Nigerians are being taken for a ride.

“The increases in price of petroleum has happened now more than three times in three months, only yesterday they hiked the tariff of electricity,” he said.

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Also, the Advocacy for Integrity and Economic Development, (AIED), has criticized President Muhammadu Buhari’s led administration over the hike in electricity tariff and pump price of petrol, describing the Government as heartless and anti-people.

AIED described the decision by the PPMC and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as being “draconian anti-masses policy by a heartless administration.”

Nigerians have also expressed their shock and displeasure over the increments coming at a time when the country is faced with economic challenges as a result of COVID-19 lockdown.