The traditional ruler of 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 the 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) had on Wednesday, announced an increase in electricity tariff for Band A consumers who are to enjoy 20 to 24hrs daily electricity supply.

Other Consumers Service Bands and Duration of Electricity Supply include Band B: 16 to 20 hours supply, Band C: 12 to 16 hours supply, Band D: 8 to 12 hours supply and Band E: 4 to 8 hours supply.

Reacting to the duration of electricity supply allocated to Band B, C, D and E, Kalejaiye, described it as ill-conceived, noting that every Nigerian regardless of socio-economic status has the right to 24hrs 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 electricity supply isn’t the way to go. The solution lies in placing every Nigerian on 24hrs daily electricity supply.

The 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.

The 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.

This, will further compound the economic hardship on Nigerians. Apart from this, I cannot but query the rational behind the categorisation 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 rationalisation of electricity will be resolved. Electricity supply will therefore be according to your financial capability.

Currently, 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..

Apart 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.

Now 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?

One of the reasons why there is an increase in crime rate and 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 business.

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 tariff 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 implore President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the decision and adjust the tariff and make 24hrs electricity supply available for every Nigerian.

He said, “But 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.”