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From Sola Ojo, Kaduna
Following the recent downward review of electricity tariff for customers in Band ‘A’, the President of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Yerima Shettima, has warned that electricity categorisation by the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) will further divide Nigerians.
He said electricity is a right that should be made available to all Nigerians irrespective of whether they consume high or low energy.
Shettima, who spoke to Daily Sun via his mobile phone yesterday, said: “For us, the idea of categorising customers as high and low based on consumption levels can, indeed, be seen as discriminatory and divisive.
“It creates an unnecessary divide between consumers and implies that those who consume more electricity are somehow more deserving than those who consume less.
“In reality, access to affordable and reliable electricity should be a basic right for all Nigerians, regardless of their consumption strength.
“Instead of implementing a band system that favours certain customers over others, efforts should be made to make electricity more accessible and affordable to all Nigerians.
“So, it is essential to prioritise the needs of the general population and ensure everyone has access to the necessities of life, including electricity.
“While any reduction in electricity tariff may look like a step in the right direction, it is important to consider the implications of discriminatory categorisation and the unequal distribution of benefits.
“So, it is time for policymakers and electricity providers to prioritise the needs of all Nigerians and work towards a system that provides equitable access to electricity for everyone,” Shettima said.
