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Electricity Consumers Seek Reversal Of New Tariff Increase
The recent increase in electricity tariff by power distribution companies, as approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, shows that the Federal Government and Discos are taking Nigerians for granted, power sector experts and consumer groups have said.
Speaking on the issue on Sunday, they demanded the Federal Government to order the power distribution companies to reverse the tariff hike, stressing that it came amidst the severe economic crisis in Nigeria currently.
They also stated that power distributors increased the electricity tariff payable by consumers without following due process as contained in the Multi Year Tariff Order.
Since the hike tariff was confirmed by a Disco last week, several condemnations had trailed the development, despite the silence of the industry regulator concerning the issue.
The PUNCH reported on Wednesday that electricity distribution companies had quietly increased the tariff payable by power consumers across the country.
The report stated that though most of the Discos did not make this public, electricity users kicked against the move, describing it as “a perfect robbery” amidst the harsh economic realities in Nigeria currently.
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, which confirmed the tariff hike while responding to a Twitter user on Wednesday, explained that it was based on the order of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.
“Good day, please be informed that the increase in tariff is in compliance with NERC order,” the Disco stated.
Reacting to the development on Sunday, the Chairman, Nigeria Electricity Consumer Advocacy Network, Tomi Akingbogun, said the tariff hike should be reversed considering the economic hardship across the country.
He said, “It is right for us to call for a reversal and we are demanding that it be reversed. However, this is not the first time they’ve done it. It has been a regular thing for several years and in those instances we’ve called for reversals.
“But the next thing you will hear is that they have modified the law or have changed the Multi Year Tariff Order to accomodate what they are doing. When we keep shouting they just ignore us, but I think the government needs to really take the public seriously.
“And the public too will have to stand up for their rights, because it will get to a point when they will push everybody to the extent that we will all rise on the streets. We’ve been trying to make sure that the masses are not squeezed to a point of no return.”
Akingbogun said NECAN held a lot of meetings with the power sector operators on why it was not in the interest of the masses to raise tariffs, but the position of consumers were ignored.
“It is really frustrating. How can someone on N30,000 minimum wage survive this increase in tariff in the kind of economy that is prevalent in Nigeria now? The increase has to be reversed for the benefit of the masses,” he stated.
On his part, a legal consultant and energy law advisor, Prof. Yemi Oke, explained that power tariff increases were meant to follow some laid down procedures, but stressed that this was neglected in the implementation of the recent hike.
He said, “Every increase in electricity tariff must follow a Multi-year Tariff Order. The year 2020 was the last order which speculated a bi-annual review to determine tariff increase.
“The MYTO- must be reviewed and specifically authorise tariff increase after following laid-down rules including wide consultations. All these have not been done.
“Even in my inaugural lecture, I captured this same anomaly in the previous tariff increases. This new one shows they’re determined to continue to take Nigerians for granted.”
Also, the President, Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, Kunle Olubiyo, said the Federal Government had eventually withdrawn subsidy on electricity tariffs.
He said the NERC had given the power distributors an open cheque to effect minor tariff reviews under the reflective tariff and service-based tariff schemes.
“It is on authority that I tell you that the Federal Government has finally withdrawn all manner of subsidies on electricity tariff for Band A category of consumers,” he stated.
He added, “The Federal Government in the selection of Band A category of electricity consumers felt that those of us on Band A should be able to afford any amount placed on tariff for electricity. This is confirmed and instructive. There is no gain for any institution to deny this reality.
“Under the reflective tariff and service-based tariff, as a condition precedent to increase in electricity tariff, the NERC has seemingly given the 11 electricity distribution companies an open cheque to carry out periodically, minor tariff adjustments.
“This is not minding the place of regular engagement and consultation, which in the past had turned out to be a smoke screen and just to fulfil all righteousness.”
Olubiyo stated that power consumers on Band A would have to pay more for electricity, as the increase in Band A tariff took effect from January 2023.
He said, “The major challenge before the regulatory institutions, as represented by NERC, is that the commission, more than ever before, needs to arise and wake up to its responsibility of effective monitoring of distribution licensees/electricity market, and further demonstrate the ability to be an incorruptible judge and impartial and fearless arbiter.”
Meanwhile, the 11 electricity distribution companies earned about N597bn on electricity sales within the space of 12 months, according to data obtained from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.
The NERC data showed that revenue from energy sales by Disco was made between January and December, 2022.
A breakdown of the report, ‘Discos’ Energy Sales by Service Band Data for Nov 2020 to Sept 2022’, showed that N597bn was collected out of a total of N840bn billed by the utility firms.
A total of 16 billion kWh of electricity was billed by the 11 Discos during the year under review.
Although Abuja Disco billed N109bn worth of electricity, however, it was able to collect about N91bn.
While Benin Disco billed N89bn, the utility firm was able to collect N51bn.
Eko Disco billed its customers N97bn, however, the firm was able to attain N89bn collection.
Furthermore, Enugu Discos churned out a bill of N75bn, but was able to rake in N52bn in the year.
On its part, Ibadan Discos, one of the utility firms liquidated during the year under review, billed out N101bn, but was able to collect about N67bn.
Ikeja Disco billed out the highest with N130bn, and recorded the highest collection of N120bn.
Jos Electricity Distribution Company sent out bills worth N45bn, but was able to recover about N20bn.
Kaduna Discos billed 58bn, collected N21bn; Kano billed N53bn and raked in N34bn; Port Harcourt Disco, N64bn but recovered N41bn; while Yola Discos, still being run by the government, sent out a bill of N18bn, but was able to rake in N10bn, making it the least earner among the utility firms.
On his part, National President Electricity Consumers Association of Nigeria, Chijioke James, insisted that the interest of consumers must be considered as the government makes the second move in the privatisation process.
News
Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has formally resigned from his position in the Federal Government to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to the President, Adelabu stated that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”
He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”
Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.
He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.
“It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”
The former minister said his resignation was to enable him focus fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State, citing provisions of the amended electoral law.
He added, “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. This aspiration, which dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 in order to pursue the same goal.”
“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”
Adelabu’s exit marks a major political development ahead of the next electoral cycle, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to contest the governorship election.
News
Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa Resigned Voluntarily, Not Sacked – Presidency
The Presidency has clarified that Wale Edun (former Finance Minister) and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (former Housing Minister) voluntarily resigned from their positions and were not sacked by President Tinubu.
In a statement released this evening April 22, presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said that contrary to public opinions, Wale Edun resigned on health grounds while Dangiwa also tendered his resignation and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve in the Federal Executive Council.
Onanuga stated that Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.
“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected. I wish you and the administration every success in the future” he wrote
Onanuga stated that on Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announced his departure from the Cabinet, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa and held an hour-long discussion with the president and then left to focus on his private businesses.
The presidential aide stated that President Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Edun and Dangiwa for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.
‘’In the same vein, the President has urged the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.
President Tinubu will shortly send the ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina, like Dangiwa, to the Senate for confirmation” the statement concluded
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Unity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation To Drive Economic Resilience
Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, alongside leading climate innovation experts, has called for increased investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa.
The call was made during a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”. Climate experts and stakeholders convened to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical solutions to address its growing impact.
In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate risks from both a societal and business perspective.
He said: “Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract challenge. It is an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies. At Unity Bank, we recognise the role institutions must play in incorporating sustainability in project financing, supporting businesses and promoting solutions that build resilience in communities where we operate.”
The webinar featured Chinwe Udo-Davis, Founder and CEO of Instollar, and Oluwatosin Ajide, Programme Manager at the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, both of whom provided insights into the drivers of climate change and the pathways to mitigation and adaptation.
Speaking during the session, Udo-Davis highlighted the disproportionate burden which climate change places on underserved communities and the need for inclusive solutions.
“The true cost of climate change is not evenly distributed. Communities with the least resources are often the most affected, whether through energy poverty, environmental degradation, or limited access to sustainable alternatives. Addressing this imbalance requires intentional investment in clean energy solutions that are both accessible and scalable.”
Ajide underscored the importance of coordinated, system-wide approaches in tackling climate challenges, particularly through innovation and policy alignment.
“Climate change is fundamentally a structural problem, and its solution requires a paradigm shift: from innovation and policy to financing and implementation. Stakeholders must work collaboratively to drive solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.”
The session also explored emerging opportunities in climate technology, renewable energy, and ecosystem financing, reinforcing the role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in building long-term resilience.
By hosting the webinar, Unity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing sustainability-focused dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote responsible growth and environmental stewardship.
The initiative underscores the Bank’s broader strategic focus on environmental sustainability as well as its commitment to financial inclusion.
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