The traditional ruler of the Otumara community in the Lagos Mainland of Lagos State, High Chief Kehinde Kalejaiye, has faulted the rationing of electricity supply across consumer service bands.
The monarch raised concern in his reaction to the newly introduced electricity tariff for consumers.
He, however, appealed to the Minister of Power, Hon. Adebayo Adelabu, to reconsider the rationing of electricity supply and the increase in electricity tariff from N66 to N225, saying this will inflict more hardship on Nigerians.
According to him, the new electricity tariff will take electricity out of the reach of the common man.
The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), announced on Wednesday an increase in the electricity tariff for Band A consumers who are to enjoy a 20- to 24-hour daily electricity supply.
Other consumer service bands and durations of electricity supply include Band B: 16 to 20 hours of supply; Band C: 12 to 16 hours of supply; Band D: 8 to 12 hours of supply; and Band E: 4 to 8 hours of supply.
Reacting to the duration of electricity supply allocated to Bands B, C, D, and E, Kalejaiye described it as ill-conceived, noting that every Nigerian, regardless of socio-economic status, has the right to 24-hour electricity supply.
He lamented that his business is on Band D, while his monthly bill is a reflection of Band C electricity supply.
He said, “The Federal Government is insensitive to the plight of Nigerians. Rationing the electricity supply isn’t the way to go. The solution lies in placing every Nigerian on a 24-hour daily electricity supply.
“The official will start moving from door-to-door to the businesses or residences that truly need a 24-hour electricity supply. They will distinguish between apartments and businesses and thereafter place such on the band it requires.
“The wherewithal of that consumer also plays a part in the band to which it belongs. Putting a resident who requires a 24-hour electricity supply on Band E will surely affect his business, while those who cannot afford to pay for 24-hour electricity will have to strain their budget to cope.
“This will further compound the economic hardship for Nigerians. Apart from this, I cannot help but question the rationale behind the categorization of the federal government.
“No Nigerian deserves epileptic or rationing of electricity supply. Also, where would consumers belong after the increment? This is necessary because many consumers, particularly those in my community, have expressed fear of being charged beyond what they consume.
“But if every Nigerian is on Band A and those that are able to sustain it are retained, there won’t be any issue about the rationalisation of electricity. Electricity supply will therefore be according to your financial capability.
“Currently, I am a victim of such an exorbitant charge. I am on feeder Band D but my monthly electricity billing is charged based on Band C. And when I complained at the Ijora office of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company, I was told that I was charged according to my business’s monthly electricity consumption.
“Apart from this, an average technician and a market woman selling groceries and cold drinks require 24 hours of electricity, just as an industrialist and a wealthy businessman do.
“Now if 24-hour electricity is concentrated on Band A for residents living in the GRA or in choice areas, how would a trader or a welder that lives in Ebute-Meta and its environs and also requires 24-hour electricity supply but is placed on feeder band E cope with his business with just 4 to 8 hours of electricity supply?
“One of the reasons why there is an increase in crime rates and a huge number of the country’s youths riding Okada is the epileptic electricity supply, which has forced many artisans and technicians out of their trade to embrace tricycle and Okada riding businesses.
“These are what the NERC should look into. Nigerians have a lot to contend with already. They should not add to our burden with the introduction of new tariffs, which obviously many Nigerians cannot afford.
Nigerians have had a fairly bad deal in recent times. To now come back six months down the line after fuel subsidy removal to talk about another subsidy removal, whether Band A, Band B, or any Band will ordinarily irritate Nigerians.”
Kalejaiye therefore implores President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the decision, adjust the tariff, and make a 24-hour electricity supply available to every Nigerian.
He said, “But to now confront us with a hike in the electricity tariff and, above all, the rationing of electricity across the feeder band, is a misnomer. Every Nigerian deserves 24 hours of electricity, which was what he promised during his campaign. This is not too much to ask.”
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