A Federal High Court in Kano State has halted the implementation of new electricity tariffs by the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Judge Abdullahi Liman granted an order on Thursday restraining both NERC and the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) from enforcing the revised tariffs for Band A consumers.
The court’s directive prohibits NERC and KEDCO from implementing the new tariff until the motion on notice is heard and determined. Additionally, the defendants are barred from threatening or disconnecting electricity supply to consumers who refuse to accept the increased tariff.
The lawsuit, marked FHC/KN/CS/144/2024, was initiated by several companies in the metropolis and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). Abubakar Mahmoud, representing the plaintiffs, presented a motion ex-parte to the court.
NERC had previously approved a tariff hike for customers classified under Band A, effective from April 3. According to the commission, consumers in this category, who receive 20 hours of electricity daily, would see their tariff increase from N66 to N225 per kilowatt-hour (kW).
This legal development comes amidst growing concerns over the new electricity tariffs. Notably, the Nigerian National Assembly passed a resolution during a recent plenary session, urging the suspension of the tariff implementation by NERC.
In summary, the Federal High Court in Kano has temporarily halted the implementation of new electricity tariffs approved by NERC. The court order restrains both NERC and KEDCO from enforcing the tariff increase until further notice, in response to a lawsuit filed by companies and industry associations. This decision aligns with the National Assembly’s call for the suspension of the tariff hike.
Sahara Reporters