Tariff Hike: Adelabu’s Banding System Is Discriminatory, It Shouldn’t Be Allowed, Ndume Blows Hot (Video)
The senator representing Borno South in the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has criticised the Federal Government’s recent electricity tariff hike and the banding system introduced by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, describing it as discriminatory, unconstitutional, and anti-people.
Speaking during a plenary session at the National Assembly, Ndume also faulted attempts to restrict lawmakers’ contributions on issues he described as fundamental to democracy and the welfare of Nigerians.
Drawing a comparison with the United States, the senator said legislators should be allowed to speak freely on the floor without being hurried or silenced.
“This democracy belongs to the people. This country belongs to us,” Ndume declared, insisting that matters affecting Nigerians must be thoroughly debated without arbitrary time limits.
The lawmaker condemned the electricity banding system; classified into Bands A, B, C, arguing that it violates Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination against citizens.
“When I heard about Band A, B, C and others, I said this is discrimination and it should not be allowed,” he said.
“This is the first time I am hearing that some Nigerians can get electricity for 20 hours while others are denied the same opportunity.”
Ndume argued that Nigerians willing and able to pay for uninterrupted electricity supply should not be denied access simply because of where they live. He further stated that power distribution companies do not own electricity outright, stressing that the assets belong to Nigerians and should not be used to impose excessive charges on citizens.
He also criticised the manner in which policies affecting Nigerians are introduced, citing the sudden announcement of levies and tariff increases without legislative input.
“Somebody will just wake up one morning, get a crazy idea, increase electricity tariff and announce it. No. Anything that affects Nigerians should come before the National Assembly. That is why we are here to represent the people,” Ndume said.
The former senate leader also took a swipe at the Minister of Power, accusing him of presenting the tariff increase as though he owns the power sector.
“The power minister ignored another group and that is band D. I belong to that group. Band generator and renewable energy because we don’t see the light anyway.
“Nigerians are getting too much shock unnecessarily,” he added, calling for a more inclusive, transparent, and constitutional approach to power sector reforms.
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Ndume concluded by insisting that critical national issues such as electricity tariffs must undergo proper legislative scrutiny and public debate, warning against policies that place additional hardship on already struggling citizens.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
