The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has warned of a total collapse of the entire Nigerian Electricity and distribution system if the judgment mandating it to reverse the 45 per cent increase in electricity tariff is upheld.
In a Motion on Notice, NERC is seeking an order staying execution of the judgment pending the hearing and determination of its appeal.
In a supporting affidavit deposed to by Martins Nwankwo, it said: “Refusal to grant this application will result in devastating consequences for the nation and indeed the entire electricity consumers in Nigeria as investment in power sector which encourages healthy competition will be discouraged.
“In the same vein, the entire electricity generation and distribution stands the risk of total collapse in view of the recent devastation caused by vandalisation of power installations with its attendant decrease in power generation and distribution.
“If this application is not favourably considered, there is a high likelihood that the citizens of the country will be subjected to total blackout while business and investments will be drastically affected.
“We submit that any attempt to further subject the masses to further hardship will be setting the stage for chaos and anarchy in the society; which effect may be overwhelming.”