Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has criticised the Federal Government’s proposed plans to hike electricity tariffs, insisting that Nigerians should not suffer the consequences of recurring policy failures in the power sector.
Speaking with journalists in Ilawe-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Falana clamoured on the government to fulfil its promise of providing stable and uninterrupted electricity before pushing for any tariff hike.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu pledged to improve electricity supply during his campaign, stressing that Nigerians deserve reliable power rather than higher bills for poor service.
“The government should provide uninterrupted electricity. That was a promise made by President Bola Tinubu when he was a candidate,” Falana said.
He argued that asking Nigerians to pay more for a service that remains largely unreliable is unjust and insensitive to the economic realities facing millions of citizens.
Falana also faulted what he described as the government’s attempt to distance itself from the electricity sector after privatising distribution companies, arguing that authorities cannot abandon citizens to the shortcomings of private operators.
He noted that the privatisation of the power sector was meant to improve efficiency and service delivery, but years after the process, Nigerians continue to grapple with poor electricity supply, while Discos continue to increase tariffs without corresponding improvements in service.
The senior advocate also alleged that many owners of electricity distribution companies maintain close ties with government officials, warning that such relationships should not shield the firms from accountability.
He called on the government to ensure that the regulatory framework is strengthened to protect consumers and hold Discos accountable for their performance. He also expressed concern that the proposed tariff hike would further burden households and businesses that are already struggling with the high cost of living.
He added that if the privatised firms cannot meet expectations, the government should either ensure they operate effectively or nationalise them in the interest of Nigerians. “The government has a responsibility to ensure that its citizens have access to affordable and reliable electricity. If private operators cannot deliver, the government must step in and take necessary action,” he said.
Falana maintained that the focus should be on reforms that improve electricity generation, transmission and distribution, rather than imposing additional financial burdens on consumers. He urged the government to invest in infrastructure, address gas supply challenges, and tackle the issues of vandalism and technical losses that have continued to hamper the sector’s performance.
He further called for greater transparency in the operations of the electricity sector, including the publication of performance reports and financial records of the Discos. He argued that Nigerians deserve to know how much is being invested in the sector and why they are not getting value for their money.
The proposed tariff hike has generated widespread criticism from various quarters, with many Nigerians expressing concern that it would worsen the economic hardship already facing the country.
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