MAN caĺls for uniformity in electricity tariffs

By allcitynews.ng

When the President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Engr Mansur Ahmed  called for uniformity in the tariff given to electricity consumers, it was a reminder one of the sayings of Thomas Edison that the value of an idea lies in the using of that idea.

Not pleased with the  varying cost of electricity tariff across different states in the MAN helmsman expressed  displeasure noting that the disparity in electricity tariff had been observed to favour some regions of the country over others.

Probably aware of one of the sayings of Colins Powell,  that there can be no secrets to success but only by result of preparation, hard work, the MAN president noted that the tariff differences, which is about 25 per cent, was causing unfair competition among manufacturers.

Calling on electricity regulatory body to provide uniformity, he urged them to play by the rules as manufacturers who are made to pay higher tariffs sell their products in the same market and cannot afford resultant effects of wider gap in the prices of products as competitors in the industry.”

Ahmes therefore called on the Federal Government to prevail on the electricity distribution companies to regularise the varying cost of electricity tariff across different states in order to create a level playing ground for manufacturers.

According to him, the resultant effect of the tariff differential is that manufacturers under the Discos with higher tariff rate sell at a loss in order to sustain their market shares.

He warned that if action was not taken urgently, the affected manufacturers might be forced to close down with looming adverse effect on employment and the economy.

He recommended that in the event where the disparity had to be maintained due to the difference in commercial activities, the government could intervene.

Ahmed suggested the establishment of an equalisation fund as provided in the petroleum sector to support Discos with smaller number of customers in order to ensure uniformity in tariff across the country.

on and prices of made-in-Nigeria goods when compared with prices of similar products from other countries.

“MAN therefore seizes this opportunity to commend the efforts of the Federal Government aimed at sustaining economic growth and the development of the manufacturing sector in Nigeria particularly the ongoing efforts at improving the quality of reliable and sustainable electricity supply in the country.”