A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has issued an interim order restraining the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) from implementing a tariff hike in electricity rates for Band A customers within the state.
The court’s decision comes amidst concerns raised by various entities regarding the substantial increase in electricity tariffs.
Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman, granted the interim order, directing the Kano Electricity Distribution Plc (KEDCO) to cease the implementation of the tariff increase, which saw rates surge from N76.54/Kwh to N225/Kwh.
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The court further directed both NERC and KEDCO to refrain from taking any actions pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice filed by the applicants.
In line with the court injunction, NERC and KEDCO have been barred from intimidating or threatening to disconnect customers from electricity supply for their non-acceptance of the April 2024 supplementary order, pending the hearing of the substantive suit.
This order followed the submission made by the applicants’ counsel, Abubakar Balarabe Mahmud and Yahaya Isa Abdulkareem, who presented a motion experte supported by an affidavit sworn to by Engineer Aliyu Jibrin Abdullahi.
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The applicants in this case include Supper Sack Limited, BBY Sack Limited, Mama Sannu Industries Limited, Dala Food Nigeria Limited, Tofa Textile, and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Co limited by guarantee.
As part of its directives, the court ordered the publication of the interim injunction in national dailies and scheduled May 16 for the hearing on the motion on notice, indicating a significant legal battle ahead regarding the electricity tariff hike.
This development underscores the ongoing debate surrounding electricity tariffs in Nigeria and the legal avenues being pursued by various stakeholders to address concerns over affordability and fairness in the pricing structure.