Lagosians protest cost of stable electricity supply

Residents of Akinola and Aburo Communities in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State have protested against forceful migration from Band A to Band B electricity tariff by Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC).

On a daily basis, Band A customers gets 20 power supply for a minimum of 20 hours at N227 per kilowatt of power, while Band B customers have access to power with slightly above the price per kilowatt for a minimum of 16 hours under the reflective cost by IKEDC.

Earlier in the week, electricity customers in the affected areas, took to the street with placards bearing inscriptions that suit their agitation, demanding a reversal of the policy, which they claimed is adversely affecting cost of living.

In a viral video of the peaceful protesters on the internet, a man believe to be the Coordinator of the group, can be heard saying, “we do not want Band A, we want Band B repeatedly”.

Let the middle class breathe. Middle class is already suffering. Please, speak up. Customers, tell them (IKEDC) that we don’t Band A”, suggesting that poor Nigerians are out of the economic mix.

Reacting to the protest on social media space, X (formerly known as Twitter) user, Arthur of Camelot queried, “how quickly ‘we went from give us steady power supply and we will pay’ whatever. I’d rather be on Band getting 16 hours than Band A, getting 20 hours”.

Ade of Nigeria, another X user said, “It’s so hilarious. I am pretty sure if we wake up tomorrow to find that Nigeria has turned to the UK or Yankee. Overnight, many Nigerians would legit Japa to Ghana or Rwanda”.

On his part, Oloye Olarenwaju OG said they should merge Band B with Band A. Nobody is forcing power on you. Just pay near market reflective rate”.

He advised that “of power is too constant, then, off light. It’s not hard. You can shose to use 10 hours per day.

Reacting to comments by Olarenwaju OG, another X user, Freegiver2 said, “you don’t understand, the per unit is not the same. Band A buys N10,000 for 44 Units, while Band B buys the same amount for 125 Units”.