Falana criticises FG over planned electricity tariff increase

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has criticised the Federal Government’s plan to increase electricity tariffs, saying Nigerians should not suffer because of the long standing problems in the country’s power sector.

Speaking to journalists in Ilawe-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Falana said the government should first deliver stable and reliable electricity before asking Nigerians to pay higher bills.

He said President Bola Tinubu promised during his election campaign to improve electricity supply, adding that Nigerians deserve better service instead of paying more for poor power.

Falana also criticised the government’s position on the electricity sector after the privatisation of electricity distribution companies.

He said the government cannot ignore the challenges facing consumers simply because private companies now manage electricity distribution.

According to him, many owners of the distribution companies have close relationships with government officials, and this should not stop the government from holding them accountable for poor performance.

He said if the current privatisation system is not working, the government should either make the companies perform better or take back control of them in the interest of Nigerians.

“The government should provide uninterrupted electricity. That was a promise made by President Bola Tinubu when he was a candidate,” Falana said.

He stressed that the government should focus on improving electricity generation, transmission and distribution instead of placing more financial pressure on Nigerians through higher electricity tariffs.