Falana knocks FG over proposed electricity tariff hike

Renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana has strongly criticized the Federal Government's proposed increase in electricity tariffs, asserting that Nigerians should not be forced to shoulder the consequences of years of policy failures and inefficiency within the nation's power sector. Falana argued that any consideration of higher tariffs is premature until the government fulfills its electoral promise of providing stable and uninterrupted electricity.

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The government should provide uninterrupted supply of electricity. That was a promise made by President Bola Tinubu when he was a candidate.

Addressing journalists in Ilawe-Ekiti, the senior lawyer emphasized that citizens deserve reliable power supply, not increased costs for substandard service. He recalled President Bola Tinubu's campaign pledge of uninterrupted electricity, stressing that this commitment should take precedence over any plans to raise electricity charges. Falana expressed dismay at the government's apparent intention to completely withdraw from its responsibilities in the electricity sector following the privatization of distribution companies.

Falana alleged that the owners of the privatized electricity companies maintain close ties with government officials, suggesting these relationships are used to shield the companies from accountability. He proposed that the Federal Government should consider reclaiming control of these companies in the public interest if the current privatization model has failed to deliver efficient electricity supply. The legal practitioner maintained that the government has a fundamental duty to ensure the power sector functions effectively, rather than transferring the repercussions of governmental mismanagement onto ordinary citizens through increased tariffs.

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Having sold our electricity companies, the government cannot be allowed to leave Nigerians in the lurch.

Urging a shift in focus, Falana called on the Federal Government to prioritize reforms that guarantee efficient electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. He stated, "The government should provide uninterrupted supply of electricity. That was a promise made by President Bola Tinubu when he was a candidate." Falana further argued against abandoning citizens, stating, "Having sold our electricity companies, the government cannot be allowed to leave Nigerians in the lurch." He concluded by suggesting that the government should either nationalize the companies to ensure optimal operation or refrain from punishing citizens for perceived government carelessness and irresponsibility.

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The government should either nationalise all the electricity companies and ensure that they operate optimally, but you cannot punish Nigerians for the carelessness, irresponsibility or connivance of the government.