Residents of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed frustration over what they describe as discriminatory treatment in electricity distribution under the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). Many accuse authorities of favoring customers in Band A, who enjoy up to 20 hours of power daily, while those in Bands B to E endure erratic supply despite being billed.
Residents criticized the current electricity framework, which they claim creates inequality. According to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Band A customers are charged N209.5 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), while Band B customers pay N63/kWh. However, residents argue that the disparity in supply hours far outweighs the difference in tariffs.
Mr. Moses Omoruyi, a resident of Kuje under Band B, described the situation as unfair. “Those on Band A are enjoying regular power supply, while we are left in the dark. Are we not Nigerians like them?” he asked. Omoruyi called for a billing system based on actual consumption rather than hours of supply and urged the federal government to prioritize stable electricity nationwide instead of selective distribution.
Similarly, Mrs. Ufuoma Ifeta from Kubwa emphasized the need for a more equitable tariff structure. “If we place everyone on an equal and affordable rate, people will still pay according to what they use,” she said. She added that it is unjust for some residents to have 20 hours of power daily while others manage with just two to five hours.
The issue goes beyond pricing, according to Mr. Joseph Akhere, a civil servant in Kubwa. He noted that reliability and availability are key concerns for most consumers. “People are not against paying for power, but the electricity has to be available in the first place,” he said, urging the government to invest in infrastructure that ensures equitable distribution across all zones.
Mrs. Titilayo Olowu from Dutse argued that efforts to move more consumers into Band A must be accompanied by consistent supply rather than simply higher tariffs. Another resident, Mr. Gilbert Akpan, called for an end to preferential treatment for Band A customers and advocated for a uniform tariff system that guarantees power for all citizens regardless of location or socioeconomic status.
Under the current system, Band A customers, largely concentrated in high-density commercial areas, government institutions, and elite neighborhoods, represent a small percentage of electricity users nationwide. Meanwhile, the majority of Nigerians fall into Bands B to E and are consistently underserved despite ongoing reforms in the power sector.
Efforts by the federal government to address these issues have yet to yield significant results. In 2024, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu announced plans to remove subsidies for Band A customers due to mounting debts of N1.3 trillion owed to generating companies (GenCos) and $1.3 billion owed to gas suppliers. However, residents argue that deeper structural reforms are needed to address fairness and accessibility in electricity distribution.
Residents are calling on NERC and AEDC to overhaul the band system and adopt policies that reflect fairness and accessibility for all electricity users across Nigeria. They also urge the government to prioritize investments in infrastructure that can support stable and equitable power supply nationwide.
