The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) has condemned the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) over its plan to migrate lower-band electricity consumers to Band A, describing it as an insensitive move that forces Nigerians to bear the consequences of the failed 2013 power sector privatization.
RDI warns that the proposed electricity tariff hike will deepen energy poverty in Nigeria, crippling businesses, healthcare services, and economic growth.
The group aligns with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which has also rejected the plan and is preparing for nationwide protests.
Nigeria Has the Worst Electricity Access Deficit
Speaking on the issue, RDI Executive Director Philip Jakpor pointed to a World Bank report that identifies Nigeria as the country with the highest number of people without electricity globally.
The report states that 90 million Nigerians (45% of the population) lack access to the national grid.
“It is unacceptable that while millions are already struggling with energy poverty, the government is introducing policies that will push even more Nigerians into darkness,” Jakpor said.
He described the move as “systematic exploitation and economic violence against ordinary citizens.”
Privatization Has Failed, Says RDI
Jakpor also criticized the privatization of the power sector, listing its failures:
- Rising electricity costs despite unstable supply
- Frequent grid collapses and blackouts
- Widening gap between urban and rural electricity access
- Factories shutting down due to high energy costs. “How can a privatized system be called successful when it has led to the closure of 25% of manufacturing companies?” Jakpor asked.
He further criticized the band classification system, calling it a class-based policy that ensures only the wealthy can afford electricity, while many Nigerians remain in perpetual blackout.
RDI Calls for a Shift to Renewable Energy
RDI is advocating for reversing power sector privatization and transitioning to a public-public partnership model that prioritizes investment in renewable energy to supplement the national grid.
“Increasing tariffs will only worsen the suffering of Nigerians while allowing privatization failures to continue. This must stop,” Jakpor insisted.
With opposition growing from labor unions and civil society groups, the Federal Government faces mounting pressure to reconsider the electricity tariff hike before it triggers widespread protests.
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