Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The traditional ruler of Otumara community in Lagos Mainland, Lagos State, High Chief Kehinde Kalejaiye, has expressed his concern regarding the rationing of electricity supply and the newly introduced electricity tariff for consumers.
He has appealed to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, to reconsider these measures, as they will further burden Nigerians and make electricity inaccessible for the common man.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) recently announced an increase in electricity tariff for different consumer service bands, with Band A consumers expected to receive 20 to 24 hours of daily electricity supply.
Kalejaiye criticized the duration of electricity supply allocated to Band B, C, D, and E, stating that every Nigerian, regardless of socio-economic status, deserves 24-hour electricity supply.
Kalejaiye argued that the government should place every Nigerian on 24-hour electricity supply based on their needs and financial capability.
He said: āThe federal government is insensitive to the plight of Nigerians. Rationing electricity supply isnāt the way to go. The solution lies in placing every Nigerian on 24hrs daily electricity supply.
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āThe official will start moving from door-to-door to the businesses or residences that truly need 24hrs electricity supply. They will distinguish between apartments and business and thereafter place such on the Band it requires.
āThe wherewithal of that consumer also plays a part in the Band it belongs. Putting a resident that requires 24hrs electricity supply on Band E will surely affect his business while those that cannot afford to pay for 24hrs electricity will have to strain their budget to cope.
āThis, will further compound the economic hardship on Nigerians. Apart from this, I cannot but query the rational behind the categorisation of the federal government.
āNo 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.
āBut if every Nigerian is on Band A and those that are able to sustain it are retained there wonāt be any issue about rationalisation of electricity will be resolved. Electricity supply will therefore be according to your financial capability.
āCurrently, I am a victim of such 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 monthly electricity consumption.
āApart from this, an average technician and a market woman selling groceries and cold drinks require 24hrs electricity just as that industrialist and a wealthy businessman.
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āNow if 24hrs 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 24hrs electricity supply but is placed on feeder band E cope with his business with just 4 to 8hrs electricity supply?
āOne of the reasons why there is an increase in crime rate and huge number of the countryās 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 business.
āThese 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 tariff which obviously many Nigerians cannot afford.
āNigerians 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.ā
Kalejaiye therefore implore President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the decision and adjust the tariff and make 24hrs electricity supply available for every Nigerian.
He said: āBut to now confront us with hike in electricity tariff and above all, rationing of electricity across feeder band, is a misnomer. Every Nigerian deserves 24hrs electricity which was what he promised during his campaign. This is not too much to ask.ā
The NationĀ