Shehu Sani Opposes Proposed Hike in Telecom and Electricity Tariffs

Former senator Shehu Sani has condemned the planned increase in communication and electricity tariffs, calling it "unconscionable" and urging the federal government to halt the proposal.

The telecom regulator recently approved a mobile tariff hike, while the federal government has stated that electricity rates will also be increased in the coming months.

However, Sani has strongly opposed these measures, criticizing the move as irrational given the poor power supply in the country.

“The planned increase in electricity tariffs in the midst of poor power supply and the proposal to increase telecom tariffs is unconscionable and should be halted.”

Sani also expressed support for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which has rejected the government-approved 50% telecom tariff hike and announced a nationwide protest on February 4.

“The scheduled labour union protest is a welcome development,” he posted on X.

Meanwhile, Olu Verheijen, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Energy, told Bloomberg that electricity prices must increase by around two-thirds to make power supply more sustainable for consumers.