Human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana, has criticized the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, for the government’s failure to provide constant electricity supply despite increasing tariffs for Nigerians using Band A.
Falana who said the tariff hike is illegal, stated that the government and Adelabu cannot defend the impunity that led to the increase.
The National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had increased the tariff paid by Band A customers from N68/KWh to N225/kWh, with a promise of 20-24 hours of electricity supply daily. However, Nigerians have since complained that the electricity supply has not been steady despite the increased tariff.
Falana attributed the tariff hike to the directives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, which he claimed are forcing the government to remove subsidies and commercialize social services. He stated that the government is implementing the neo-liberal policies of institutions who prioritize profits over people’s interests.
Falana also pointed out that the tariff increase was imposed without a public hearing, as required by Section 116 of the Electricity Act 2023. He expressed concern over the impunity of the government and NERC, stressing that their actions must comply with relevant laws.
The SAN has further given a notice to the commission, demanding an explanation for the illegal tariff hike and the violation of the directive to provide uninterrupted electricity supply to Band A customers. He added that the government need prioritize the interests of Nigerians and stop implementing policies that harm the majority.
