Development economist Ayo Ayalowo has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to abandon the bands A, B, and C system due to the insufficient power supply experienced by Nigerians.
Ayalowo made this statement during an interview on Channels Television, where he emphasized that the increase in energy prices, including electricity and diesel, has contributed significantly to the country’s rising inflation. Ayalowo suggested that the recently announced 240% hike in electricity tariffs for band A customers, who are supposed to receive 20 hours of power supply, should be reconsidered.
He argued that despite the tariff hike, Nigerians are still not receiving adequate power supply. He further criticized the band classification system, referring to it as “nonsense,” and called for a more sensible approach that would allow Nigerians to enjoy electricity at a reasonable cost.
Instead of the current approach, Ayalowo proposed a marginal increase in tariffs for electricity customers nationwide. He emphasized the need for fairness and urged the Minister of Power and NERC to consider a more equitable distribution of tariff increases, rather than burdening certain customers disproportionately.
The hike in electricity tariffs, announced by NERC on April 3, 2024, raised the rate to N225 per kilowatt-hour from the previous N66 for customers in band A.
However, this decision was met with widespread condemnation from Nigerians, including the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, and other organizations.
Many citizens have complained about a decline in power supply since the tariff hike. On Monday, the country experienced a complete blackout due to a national grid collapse.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) attributed the collapse to a fire incident but assured the public that power had been restored.
Article updated 1 week ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
