Amaechi: Electricity consumers react as Atiku vows to scrap Band A tariff, restore full subsidy
Electricity consumers have responded to a recent proposal from Rotimi Amaechi, the former governor of Rivers State and running mate to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress. Amaechi has suggested eliminating the Band A electricity tariff and reinstating full subsidies for the power sector.
During a gathering with supporters in Rivers State, Amaechi stated that Abubakar had committed to restoring the full electricity subsidy if elected in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027.
This announcement follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s decision to increase electricity tariffs for Band A consumers in 2024. Consumers in this category are guaranteed a daily minimum of 20 hours of power supply.
In reaction to Amaechi’s comments, Kunle Olubiyo, President of the Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, expressed skepticism during an interview. He noted that politicians often make grandiose promises during election campaigns that are rarely fulfilled.
“During election season, political figures tend to make bold statements aimed at gaining public favor,” Olubiyo said. He emphasized the need for accountability, suggesting that many of the concerns raised during campaigns are merely rhetorical and do not reflect genuine intentions.
He criticized the focus of many politicians on securing valuable resources and wealth distribution, rather than addressing the structural issues plaguing Nigeria’s electricity sector.
“Some of the statements made are designed to appeal to voters, but ultimately may lack substance,” he added.
Olubiyo highlighted the pressing need for the electricity sector to become commercially viable, pointing out significant challenges such as technical losses, commercial losses, and instances of energy theft that undermine service quality and availability.
