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After high charge, Band A customers lament decline in electricity supply

Published

1 year ago

November 18, 2024

After high charge, Band A customers lament decline in electricity supply

The recent national grid collapse in the past week resulted in widespread power outages across Nigeria, significantly affecting Band A customers who previously enjoyed a minimum of 20 hours of electricity supply.

These electricity subscribers, who pay a premium rate of N206 per kWh for their power usage, are entitled to this level of service as part of their subscription.

According to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, Distribution Companies (DisCos) that fail to meet the 20-hour electricity supply threshold for Band A customers are to be subjected to sanctions.

While some have criticized this model as discriminatory and inequitable, the government insists it reflects the principle of “those who pay more should access more light.”

Band A customers, accounting for about 15% of the total electricity subscribers in Nigeria, pay a cost-reflective tariff without any subsidy.

By estimation, there are about 2 million Band A customers out of the country’s registered 13 million electricity subscribers.
Despite the restoration of the national grid after last week’s incessant failures, Nairametrics can confirm that most Band A subscribers are yet to resume enjoying 20 hours of electricity supply.
Instead, they currently receive about 12 to 16 hours daily, as the grid is yet to reach full capacity.

“So far, the grid hasn’t reached its full capacity since its last collapse, so it’s expected users will see a reduction In their electricity supply for now. Once the grid reaches full capacity, then you can expect things to change,” explained Mr. Seyi Ayotunde, an official of Ikeja Electric, in a conversation with Nairametrics.

Customers Express Their Discontent

However, customers, particularly those with underestimated billing, believe they are not receiving the service they paid for.

Many are concerned about paying premium tariffs without experiencing the premium service promised.

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“We hardly have up to 16 hours of light now. Since the grid collapsed, they don’t bring the light like they used to. Before, we used to have up to 22 to 23 hours of power supply, but that is no longer the case,” lamented Mrs. Joyce Iraboh, a Lagos resident living in Onipanu.

Another customer, Mr. Ope, who resides under a Band A feeder in Ogba, echoed similar sentiments:

“I noticed the decline in electricity supply. We don’t usually have the 20-hour light they promised us. But we are expected to pay a premium as estimated billing.”

Even prepaid meter users are not exempted. While their payment is usage-based, the principle of being on a subsidy-free tariff implies access to the promised electricity supply. The discrepancy between cost and service has left many feeling cheated.

High Cost of Alternative Energy

One of the federal government’s key arguments for higher tariffs has been the rising cost of alternative energy sources, such as petrol or diesel generators.
Minister Adelabu previously stated that Band A customers save significantly on generator expenses due to their usual 20 hours of electricity supply.

“With an average Band A customer enjoying 20 hours of electricity supply, it simply means they don’t have to buy a subsidy-free petrol for their generators,” Adelabu said.

However, with the national grid struggling to recover, many Band A customers now have to rely on generators to meet their energy needs, further increasing their expenses.

“Imagine paying for premium electricity only for you to still have to rely on a generator to do your job. I work from home. So, since we no longer have light like before, I don’t have a choice but to get fuel to work. And fuel is expensive,” said David, a resident of Ojodu, reflecting on the challenges caused by the grid collapse.

Decline in Power Generation

As of November 17, 2024, the national grid’s off-peak generation stood at 3,563.02 MW, significantly lower than the usual figure of around 4,500 MW or more.
This decline has resulted in reduced electricity supply to customers, including Band A feeders. Online reactions further highlighted these issues.

An X (formerly Twitter) user with the handle @DelekeLaoye said:

“Please Agboyin-Odutayo feeder has been offline since morning. We’ve barely had 15 minutes of power today. Same thing yesterday. Power has been irregular all week and we’re supposed to be a Band-A feeder.”

Another user, @Aryhoblueblood, expressed his frustration, referring to the stat on the National Grid X page:

“I think it is high time you stop posting these stats cos it’s confusing. Your stats seem to point to the fact that all is well with the national grid but the Discos fail to distribute accordingly. We’ve not had light for 24hrs now and we’re supposedly in Band A. Is that normal?”

Similarly, @OmoakeD wrote:

“We usually don’t have a steady power supply again after the last national grid collapse. Please, what is the problem?”

While Nairametrics cannot independently verify these claims, the complaints mirror those shared by physical customers, suggesting they may be credible.

Experts urge investment in infrastructure

On their part, energy experts believe that frequent grid collapses and inconsistent electricity supply stem from inadequate infrastructure.

“Restoration of the grid takes time. It all depends on what causes the failure in the first place. For instance, it could be tripping off the power line, which makes it difficult to load power and distribute it to the DisCos. It could be vandalism also, which means TCN’s officials have to work to rebuild whatever is damaged,” explained Abiodun Sonekan, an energy expert.

Lagos-based electricity consultant Kingsley Effiong emphasized the need for investment in the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to prevent frequent grid collapses.

“The government must prioritize electricity supply now that alternative energy sources are very expensive. You can’t remove subsidy on petrol and electricity and still deny people light. How do you expect them to survive?” Effiong said.

He further noted that investment must come before tariff hikes.

“If the government had spent more money on the SCADA system, which will protect the grid in real-time from collapsing, there wouldn’t be this incessant collapse. Most of TCN’s infrastructure is old and not functioning at optimal capacity in most cases.”

Meanwhile, Minister Adelabu recently stated that Nigeria needs at least $10 billion in investments to stabilize the power sector and achieve a 24-hour electricity supply. However, the volatile nature of the sector makes it difficult to attract investors.

For now, Band A customers continue to pay premium tariffs without receiving the promised stability in electricity supply.

After high charge, Band A customers lament decline in electricity supply

Related Topics:Band A Electricity supply

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Police Rescue Boy Allegedly Locked in Van Since 2024 in France

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April 12, 2026

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The parking area where the boy was kept. | Source: AP

Police Rescue Boy Allegedly Locked in Van Since 2024 in France

A shocking case of alleged child abuse in France has emerged after a nine-year-old boy was rescued from a van where he had reportedly been confined for over a year by his father in the village of Hagenbach.

The disturbing discovery was made after a concerned neighbour alerted police to strange noises coming from a parked vehicle. When officers forced the van open, they found the child in extremely poor condition—lying in a foetal position, unclothed, covered with a blanket, and surrounded by rubbish and human waste, according to prosecutor Nicolas Heitz.

Authorities say the boy was severely malnourished and unable to walk, likely due to prolonged confinement in a restricted position. He reportedly told officers he had not bathed since 2024, highlighting the extent of the neglect.

Investigators believe the child had been held in the van since November 2024. He was immediately taken to hospital and is currently receiving urgent medical and psychological care, with officials confirming his condition has stabilized.

The boy’s father has been arrested and is facing multiple charges, including kidnapping, unlawful confinement, and child neglect. During interrogation, he claimed he kept the child in the van to “protect him,” alleging his partner wanted the boy placed in a psychiatric facility.

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However, prosecutors have firmly rejected this explanation, stating there is no medical evidence that the child had any psychiatric condition prior to his disappearance—raising serious doubts about the father’s claims.

The case was further concealed through deliberate misinformation. Family members and acquaintances were reportedly told the boy had been admitted to a psychiatric institution, while his school was informed he had transferred elsewhere—allowing the situation to remain hidden for over a year.

The father’s partner has also been charged with failure to assist a minor in danger, although she denies knowledge of the confinement. She has been released under judicial supervision.

Meanwhile, two other children linked to the household—a 12-year-old girl and a 10-year-old—have been placed in the care of social services as a precaution.

The case has sparked outrage across France and raised serious concerns about child protection systems, school oversight, and social services gaps, as authorities investigate how such prolonged abuse went undetected.

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JUST IN: FG Publishes List of 48 Individuals, Groups Linked to Terrorism Financing in Nigeria

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April 11, 2026

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National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu

JUST IN: FG Publishes List of 48 Individuals, Groups Linked to Terrorism Financing in Nigeria

The Federal Government has released a list of 48 individuals and organisations alleged to be involved in terrorism financing in Nigeria, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to disrupt funding networks linked to insecurity across the country.

The list was published on Saturday by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NIGSAC), the inter-agency body responsible for enforcing financial sanctions in line with Nigeria’s counter-terrorism financing (CTF) and anti-money laundering (AML) frameworks.

According to the committee, the designated individuals and entities are suspected of providing financial, logistical, or operational support to terrorist organisations operating in parts of the country, particularly in the North-East and other security-affected regions.

The list reportedly includes individuals connected to proscribed organisations such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Ansaru, and the Islamic State West Africa Province. Among those named are Tukur Mamu, Simon Ekpa, Abdulsamad Ohida, Usman Abubakar, Kubara Salawu, Rabiu Suleman, Simon Njoku, Godstime Itare, Francis Nmaduabuchi, Chukwuka Eze, Edwin Chukwuedo, and others listed in the official document.

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Security and financial intelligence sources said the designation is part of strengthened efforts to enforce targeted financial sanctions against terrorism sponsors, in line with Nigeria’s obligations under international security and financial monitoring standards. The sanctions framework allows authorities to impose measures such as asset freezes, restrictions on financial transactions, and travel limitations on individuals and organisations identified as being involved in terrorism financing activities.

Officials said the move is aimed at cutting off funding channels that support insurgent groups and separatist-linked violence in affected parts of the country. The Nigeria Sanctions Committee explained that the publication of the list is part of broader efforts to strengthen national security by targeting the financial infrastructure behind terrorism.

It added that identifying and sanctioning individuals linked to terrorist financing is crucial to weakening the operational capacity of groups responsible for attacks on civilians and security forces. Authorities also stressed that the listings are part of ongoing investigations and do not replace judicial proceedings, noting that further legal and enforcement actions may follow where evidence is established.

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Officials reiterated that combating terrorism requires both military action and sustained efforts to dismantle the financial networks supporting terrorism in Nigeria.

As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government has not issued additional details beyond the published list, while reactions are expected from some of the individuals and organisations named.

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42-Year-Old Married Woman Declared Missing Found in Hotel with Man

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42-Year-Old Married Woman Declared Missing Found in Hotel with Man

A 42-year-old woman declared missing in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, has been found in a hotel room in Ugbe-Akoko, sparking widespread reactions and renewed concerns over the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

The woman reportedly left her matrimonial home in Ilara-Mokin in Ifedore Local Government Area without informing her husband or family members, prompting fears that she had been abducted or harmed.

Her husband was said to have raised the alarm after repeated attempts to reach her failed, leading to concern among relatives and residents of the community. The development triggered a search effort as anxiety grew over her whereabouts.

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