The Nigerian government has approved a downward review in electricity tariff for Band A customers to N206.80/kwh, from N225/kwh.
The decision to crash the tariff may not be unconnected with public outcry over the initial hike.
Ban A customers are electricity consumers with a minimum supply of 20 hours daily.
In a notice to its customers on Monday, Ikeja Electric, stated: “Please, be informed of the downward tariff review of our Band A feeders from N225/kwh to N206.80/kwh effective 6th May 2024 with guaranteed availability of 20-24 hours supply daily.
“The tariff for Bands B, C, D, and E remains unchanged.”
DAILY GIST recalls that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, had increased the tariff paid by Band A customers from N68/KWh to N225/kWh.
Band A customers are expected to receive between 20 and 24 hours of electricity supply daily. Those under B enjoy 16 to 20 hours of power supply and those in Band C receive 12 to 16 hours daily.
NERC also said that Band A customers make up just 15 percent of total electricity customers in the country.
Additionally, these customers would no longer enjoy government subsidy on electricity.
However, the review of electricity tariff generated reactions across the country.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) accused the Federal Government of working in the interest of the International Monetary Fund, IMF, and the World Bank in hiking electricity tariff.
He said: “The Honourable Minister of Power is acting the script of the IMF and the World Bank.”
Also, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Ikeja branch, gave the Federal Government and electricity distribution companies, DisCos, a seven-day ultimatum to reverse to the old electricity tariff or face a lawsuit.
Speaking, chairman of the branch, Mr Seyi Olawunmi, described the increase in the electricity tariff by almost 300 per cent as unreasonable and insensitive.
He said NERC order in respect to the tariff hike was not in line with the current economic realities of an average Nigerian.
The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC also appealed to NERC, and power sector operators, to reverse the increase in electricity tariff within one week.
President of the unions, Mr Joe Ajaero and Mr Fetus Osifo, respectively, made the call last Wednesday in a joint speech to mark the 2024 Workers’ Day in Abuja.
They expressed dissatisfaction over the epileptic power situation in the country. The labour leaders said it was affecting the economic growth of the country.
According to them, it is imperative that any nation incapable of effectively and efficiently managing its energy resources faces certain ruin.
In their words: “One of the pivotal factors constraining our nation is our glaring incompetence in managing this sector for the collective welfare of our citizens.
“Power, regardless of its source, remains paramount in kickstarting any economy, while oil and gas are indispensable for robust energy success in every country. “
They said it was absolutely critical for the government to collaborate with the people to establish frameworks that ensure energy works for all Nigerian.
