Jun 5, 2026

Darkness at a Higher Cost: Falana Slams Planned Electricity Tariff Hike Amid Worsening Power Crisis

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Rights Lawyer Questions Why Nigerians Must Pay More for Failing Power Supply…

Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has launched a blistering attack on electricity distribution companies over plans to increase tariffs despite what he described as their persistent failure to provide reliable power to Nigerians.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Falana expressed outrage at what he sees as an unfair burden being placed on consumers who continue to endure erratic electricity supply while paying increasingly higher bills.

“Nigerians are paying more for services not rendered,” Falana declared. “We have reached a point where serious questions must be asked.”

His remarks come amid growing concerns over fresh tariff adjustment proposals in a country where millions of homes and businesses still struggle with frequent blackouts despite years of reforms and substantial government intervention.

Falana argued that the nation’s electricity sector has failed to deliver on the promises that accompanied its privatization.

Recalling comments previously made by a former government official, he suggested that the privatization process had been deeply flawed, alleging that key assets were transferred to politically connected individuals rather than competent investors capable of transforming the sector.

More than a decade after privatization, Nigerians remain trapped in a cycle of poor service delivery, estimated billing disputes, damaged infrastructure and prolonged outages.

Many consumers categorized under various supply bands continue to complain that the electricity they receive falls far below the hours promised by their service providers.

According to Falana, the law is clear on the issue of tariff reviews.

He noted that under existing electricity regulations, any increase in consumer charges must be backed by measurable improvements in service delivery.

“If the situation is getting worse, there can be no justification for an increase in tariffs,” he insisted.

His comments have struck a chord with many Nigerians already battling a severe cost-of-living crisis.

Rising fuel prices, inflation and increasing transportation costs have stretched household budgets, while businesses continue to spend heavily on generators and alternative energy sources to remain operational.

Across social media platforms, citizens echoed Falana’s concerns, questioning why electricity bills continue to rise while power supply remains unreliable.

Many argued that consumers are being forced to pay premium prices for a service that frequently fails to meet basic expectations.

The controversy once again exposes the deep-rooted challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector.

Analysts say that while operators often cite the need for higher tariffs to attract investment and improve infrastructure, consumers are demanding evidence that previous increases have translated into better service.

The debate highlights a difficult balancing act for policymakers, regulators and operators.

While the sector requires funding to address aging infrastructure, transmission bottlenecks and technical losses, public confidence continues to erode as electricity remains inconsistent in many parts of the country.

For millions of Nigerians, the issue is no longer merely about tariffs. It is about accountability.

Citizens want assurances that every additional naira paid will result in tangible improvements rather than perpetuate a system that has delivered years of disappointment.

As discussions over tariff adjustments intensify, pressure is mounting on regulators, government agencies and distribution companies to demonstrate transparency and provide clear evidence of improved performance before imposing additional costs on consumers.

Until then, many Nigerians may continue to ask the same question raised by Falana: Why should citizens pay more for darkness?