In a statement released on Monday, the electricity market operator attributed this development to the appreciation of the naira in the official exchange window.

“Effective from May 6, 2024, Band A end-user tariffs have been reviewed to NGN206.8/ kWh under MYTO 2024. This is largely driven by the relative appreciation of the Naira in the official foreign exchange window,” the statement read.

In response, Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) have begun reducing tariffs for Band A customers. Notices sent to customers on Monday by the DisCos emphasized that this move aimed to enhance service delivery for customers in the specified category.

Ikeja Electric (IE), in an earlier notice, stated that the reduced electricity tariff for its Band A customers had been adjusted to N206.80 per kilowatt-hour from N225/kWh, as approved by NERC.

“Please be informed of the downward tariff review of our Band A feeders from N225/kwh to N206.80/kwh effective 6th May 2024 with guaranteed availability of 20-24hrs supply daily,” the statement from IE said.

Similarly, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) issued similar notices to their customers, aligning with the cost-reflective tariffs framework introduced in 2020.

Tariffs for Bands B, C, D, and E customers remain unchanged. AEDC also confirmed the review of tariffs for Band A customers.

Additionally, it has summoned the Minister of Petroleum Resources over the current fuel scarcity.

These decisions were reached following the adoption of separate motions moved by Shehu Ajilo and Kama Nkem Karama on Tuesday.

NERC had ordered the increment in tariff while the lawmakers were on holiday. Meanwhile, fuel scarcity is ravaging the entire country due to the inability of NNPC Limited to provide products to marketers.

Shehu Ajilo moved the motion on petroleum scarcity, and it was taken without debate.

The House ordered that the Minister of Petroleum Resources must appear before the House.

Meanwhile, Nkemkanma moved the motion to suspend the electricity tariff hike.

The House directed that the Minister of Power should appear before a special committee to probe the hike.

Both motions were adopted without debate.

Recall that the NERC recently approved a 200 per cent tariff increment for Band A consumers, allowing power distribution companies to raise electricity prices for city dwellers from N68 to N225 per kilowatt-hour with effect from April 1, 2024.

The minority leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja, calling it insensitive, inhuman, and uncalled for.

He said such an abrupt increase placed an unbearable burden on the already strained populace, exacerbating economic hardships and widening the chasm of inequality among the citizenry.

“Such a hike, which is over 200 per cent above the rate of inflation, utterly disregards the plight of ordinary citizens, who are grappling with the adverse effects of the removal of oil subsidy,” he said.

According to him, the citizenry had been faced with galloping inflation, unemployment, and inadequate access to basic amenities.

“We note that in the immediate aftermath of the announcement of the tariff hike, NERC claimed that the hike affects only 12 per cent of electricity consumers who enjoy a minimum of 20 hours of electricity a day.

“The truth has become stark that this is stark lie. The hike, from data put out by the DISCOS, affects all electricity consumers,” he added.

Under the new ruling, customers falling within this classification will face a sharp rise in charges, climbing from N66 to N225 per kilowatt-hour (KW/h).

Band A Customers typically enjoy uninterrupted power supply ranging from 20 to 24 hours daily, distinguishing them from other bands categorized by their varying hours of electricity availability.

While the decision has been met with scrutiny, particularly regarding the classification of subscribers and potential overcharging concerns, clarity is offered through a guide provided by the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company on determining one’s feeder band:

How to Identify Your Electricity Feeder Band:

1. Visit www.ikejaelectric.com
2. Navigate to Customer Service
3. Select Customer Feeder Information
4. Access Customer Feeder Verification
5. Input your account or meter number for feeder details verification.

This was contained in a statement titled, ‘Killing the dead,’ and signed by the TUC president, Quadri Olaleye, and Secretary-General, Musa-Lawal Ozigi on Thursday.

According to the statement, “For the umpteenth time, we have complained about the gradual and steady annihilation of Nigeria in the light of government action.

“Like the book by George Orwell, titled ‘1884’, the government and its agencies have resorted to doing the opposite of what they were set up to do. Government, instead of providing welfare, is killing the people systematically.”

Describing this act, the TUC in the statement said increasing petrol prices and electricity tariffs, among others, “at a time people are losing jobs, businesses are not moving in the light of COVID-19, is, to say the least, wicked.”

It said from all indications, it appeared the government had lost touch with Nigerians, adding the government of the day has implemented all the policies Nigerians have kicked against in the past.

The union added, “They have developed a thick skin that our pleas and cries no longer mean anything to them. No government has raped this country like the present one; ironically it has enjoyed our understanding the most.

“They beat us and when we cry, they send security operatives after us or force us to pay a fine of N5m for ‘’hate speech’’. Our patience has run out.

“In droves, Nigerians flee the shores of this country. Just two days ago, we protested the hike in electricity tariff and sadly, yesterday, they slammed us with fuel [price] hike at a time countries like Ghana and Canada are giving out palliatives to cushion the effects of coronavirus pandemic. It is difficult to cope in this circumstance.

“Do we still wonder why unemployment and insecurity have increased? This is disgustingly shameful. We urge government to listen to the voice of reason and reverse the [petrol] price immediately.

“Stop pushing Nigerians to the wall. This is too daring.

“The Congress is calling a meeting of its organs to take decisions on this obnoxious move.

“The dead are dying again; stop killing the dead!”