NASME Lauds New Electricity Tariff

The Executive Secretary of the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Mr Eke Ubiji,  has expressed optimism that the new electricity tariff would be beneficial to entrepreneurs.

He made the observation in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

Ubiji said that the new tariff would help operators of small and medium enterprises to control their usage of electricity.

“The new tariff is cheaper; it makes a lot of sense. I was at a town hall meeting where it was debated and highlighted; there are a lot benefits to be derived from it.

“The ‘pay as you go’ system of the tariff will help entrepreneurs control the usage of energy.

“They can remove their cards from their meters when they don’t need the electricity,’’ he said.

Ubiji said that many enterprises had been forced out of business because of poor power supply and high bills.

“Many entrepreneurs have closed shops because of irregular power supply.

“They need light to power their equipment, but they did not get it. Many of them had to pay through their noses for the light they did not use.

“This will bring an end to the exorbitant PCHN bills,’’ he said.

Ubiji, however, appealed to the government to improve on power supply and distribution.

“Small and medium enterprises in Nigeria need regular and steady supply of power. This will ease major challenges facing their operations,’’ Ubiji said.

He called for higher level of sensitisation on the new tariff.

“There should be regular town hall meetings that will accommodate small business owners. Issues like this can be discussed at such meetings.

“Newspaper adverts and radio jingles are not enough to make people understand how the tariff works, much less how beneficial it is,’’ he said.