By DAYO ADESULU
- Band A Customers Appeal to Federal Government for Relief as High Electricity Costs Strain Budgets
Residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), particularly those classified as Band A electricity consumers, are voicing their concerns over high electricity tariffs amidst increasing economic hardship. Band A customers, who benefit from a minimum of 20 hours of electricity daily, currently pay N209.5 per kilowatt-hour (KWh), a cost that many are struggling to afford.
Voices from the Community
Residents from areas such as Lugbe, Area 10, and Apo resettlement have expressed their frustrations regarding the financial burden of electricity costs.
1. **Mrs. Amen Odigie**, a civil servant living in Lugbe, highlighted her struggles, stating that her monthly electricity bill exceeds N30,000. She noted that her salary is insufficient to cover these expenses, urging the government to reconsider the high tariffs that are consuming much of her income.
> “This is really telling on me, as what I earn as salary cannot go anywhere with the present economic hardship in the country,” Odigie remarked.
2. **Mr. Ugochukwu Okafor**, a vulcanizer, echoed similar sentiments, explaining that the current tariff is beyond his means. He called on the Federal Government to take action regarding the steep charges affecting consumers in Band A.
> “I want the Federal Government to do something about the Band A tariff, as it is too high, in view of the present hardship in the country,” he said.
3. **Mrs. Anita Adaje**, a fashion designer from Apo resettlement, stressed that the high electricity costs are negatively impacting her business. She pointed out that excessive billing discourages customers from paying, which in turn affects her profitability.
> “When you bill customers so high, they will refuse to pay, and this is really affecting my business,” Adaje stated.
4. **Mr. Festus Ogunbor**, a printer in Area 10, revealed that he spends over N30,000 daily to power his printing machines, a cost that is unsustainable given his income levels. He implored the government to address the high tariffs, as they are inhibiting both business growth and the cost of living for many.
> “How much do I make that I have to be paying so much for electricity?” Ogunbor lamented.
5. **Mr. Chidi Okeke**, another printer in the same area, added that the high tariffs have made it increasingly difficult to operate his business. He suggested that reducing electricity costs could help boost entrepreneurship and support local businesses.
> “The government should look for a way of reducing the high cost of electricity to boost businesses as well as encourage more Nigerians to go into business,” Okeke remarked.
Conclusion
The collective outcry from Band A electricity consumers in the FCT underscores the pressing issue of high electricity tariffs amid economic challenges facing many Nigerians. As residents struggle to balance their budgets with the costs of essential services, there is a growing expectation for the Federal Government to respond to these concerns and consider a review of the current tariff structure. Addressing these issues could not only alleviate the financial strain on consumers but also support the broader economic recovery by enabling businesses to thrive.
Next Steps
– **Government Review:** It remains to be seen if the Federal Government will take action to address the rising concerns regarding electricity tariffs and their impact on consumers.
– **Public Awareness Campaigns:** Advocacy for lower tariffs may gain momentum as more residents voice their struggles, potentially leading to organized efforts to engage with policymakers.
– **Support for Businesses:** Economic initiatives aimed at reducing overhead costs for businesses, such as electricity tariffs, could be explored to promote entrepreneurship and stimulate economic growth.
