Godsent Ogbebor
Falana Urges FG to Improve Power Supply Before Any Tariff Increase
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has urged the Federal Government to shelve plans to increase electricity tariffs, insisting that Nigerians should not pay more for a power supply that remains unreliable.
Falana said the government must first fulfil its promise of providing stable and uninterrupted electricity before introducing any fresh tariff adjustment, arguing that consumers should not bear the consequences of long-standing inefficiencies in the power sector.
Speaking with journalists in Ilawe-Ekiti, Ekiti State, the senior advocate recalled President Bola Tinubu’s campaign pledge to improve electricity supply, saying the administration should prioritise delivering on that commitment rather than increasing the financial burden on households and businesses.
He argued that despite the privatisation of electricity distribution companies, the Federal Government still has a responsibility to ensure the sector operates efficiently and delivers quality service to consumers.
Falana also criticised what he described as the government’s gradual withdrawal from the electricity sector, alleging that the owners of the distribution companies maintain close relationships with those in power.
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He maintained that if the current privatisation model has failed to improve electricity supply, the government should consider reclaiming control of the companies in the interest of the public.
According to him, reforms should focus on improving electricity generation, transmission and distribution instead of imposing higher tariffs on consumers who continue to experience poor service.
“The government should provide uninterrupted electricity supply. That was a promise made by President Bola Tinubu when he was a candidate,” Falana said.
He added that the government cannot distance itself from the challenges facing the power sector after privatising the distribution companies, insisting that Nigerians should not be punished for what he described as policy failures and poor oversight.
Falana called on the Federal Government to prioritise meaningful reforms capable of delivering reliable electricity rather than placing additional financial pressure on consumers through higher tariffs.
