Director-general of the Civil Society Organisation on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI), Kunle Yusuff, has called on President Bola Tinubu to review and consider more people’s friendly tariffs for electricity in Nigeria.
Speaking at a CSCHEI media chat with heads of civil and community-based groups in Abuja yesterday, Yusuff stated that the current electricity tariffs have become a burden on average Nigerians amidst the government’s economic policies and hardship faced by many.
“As a bridge between the government and the masses, it has become a compelling imperative for us to, at this juncture, call upon Mr President, as a matter of urgency, to review the relationship between the government and CSOs, NGOs, CBOs and FBOs,” Yusuff said.
“The government should also consider a more people-friendly tariff on electricity.”
Yusuff praised some of the current administration’s efforts, including the actions of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs under the suspended minister Betta Edu.
However, he emphasised the need for the government to address the challenges faced by Nigerians, including persistent insecurity, the high cost of public education, and economic hardship.
Yusuff also commended the recent investigative work by John Abase, the special investigator on the Central Bank of Nigeria and other government business entities, calling for further investigations into agencies such as the NNPC, NPA, NIMASA, and Customs.
He said, “The cost of public higher education is becoming relatively too high for average Nigerians.
It is also important for CSOs to play an active role in reviewing the submission of the Presidential Tax Reforms Committee.
“The Civil Society organisations should monitor and evaluate 2024 Budget implementations. They should also join various government establishments to fight corruption and encourage the government to fight insecurity.
“We acknowledge and appreciate Mr President’s efforts on the methodology adopted by the Ministry of Humanitarian and Betta Edu.
“We would also like to thank Mr President and Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the engagement of John Abase, the special investigator on CBN and other Government Business Entities.
“The report on the public domain showed that the consultant handled his mandates professionally. We CSOs in Nigeria want to know the status of the special investigator reports, most importantly appealing to permit this bold and professional special investigator to further investigate NNPC, NPA, NIMASA, Customs and others for our dear country’s financial stability.
“As we have all pledged our allegiance to national unity, the registered Civil Society Organisation under the umbrella of CSCHEI are readily available to partner and collaborate with the government at all levels on development, security and anti-corruption following the law of the land,” he said.
