Electricity Tariff: Minister of Power Is A Failure — Femi Falana

Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer, has criticised Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, for “failure to deliver a constant supply of electricity despite increasing tariffs.”

The National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) raised the tariff paid by Band A users from N68/KWh to N225/kWh.

According to NERC, Band A consumers are projected to receive 20-24 hours of electricity per day, while Band B subscribers receive 16 to 20 hours, and Band C subscribers receive 12 to 16 hours per day.

However, the respected lawyer branded the electricity policy as “the illegality of tariffs,” claiming that the Federal Government and Adelabu could not justify the increase.

In an interview on Channels TV on Tuesday, April 30, Falana said; “The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu has failed to address the question of the illegality of the tariffs

“Section 116 of the Electricity Act 2023 provides that before an increase can be approved and announced, there has to be a public hearing conducted based on the request of the Discos to have an increase in the electricity tariffs. That was not done

“Secondly, neither the minister nor the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission has explained why the impunity that characterised the increase can be allowed.”

Falana also raised alarm about what he regarded as the FG and NERC’s impunity, emphasising that their acts were not legal.

He said; “I have already given a notice to the commission because these guys are running Nigeria based on impunity and we can not continue like this. When a country claims to operate under the rule of law, all actions of the government and all actions of individuals must comply with the provisions of relevant laws.

“Secondly, the increase was anchored on the directives of the commission that customers in Band A will have an uninterrupted electricity supply for at least 20 hours a day. That directive has been violated daily. So, on what basis can you justify the increase in the electricity tariffs?”

Falana claimed that the Nigerian government is following directions from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

“The Honourable Minister of Power is acting the script of the IMF and the World Bank.

“Those two agencies insisted and they continue to insist that the government of Nigeria must remove all subsidies. Fuel subsidy, electricity subsidy and what have you; all social services must be commercialised and priced beyond the reach of the majority of Nigerians.

“So, the government cannot afford to protect the interest of Nigerians where you are implementing the neoliberal policies of the Bretton Wood institutions,” he added.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli