Scrap Band A Tariff Now, It’s Killing Nigerians — Pat Utomi

…Says Insecurity Dragging Millions Into Poverty
By Peter Salami
Political Economist and Convener of The Big Tent, Professor Pat Utomi, has called for an immediate review and possible scrapping of Nigeria’s Band A power supply tariff, describing it as exploitative and economically senseless.

Speaking at a press conference on the state of the nation in Lagos on Monday, Utomi criticised the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) categorisation of customers under Band A, which mandates them to pay the highest electricity tariffs in exchange for a minimum of 20 hours of daily power supply. He argued that this model is “reaping off” Nigerians, particularly middle-class professionals, while offering little value.

“A university professor in Band A now spends up to 75 per cent of his salary on electricity bills alone,” Utomi lamented. “If not speedily revalidated, this tariff structure will further impoverish working-class Nigerians.”

He urged the National Assembly to prioritise legislation that would directly improve the lives of Nigerians, rather than focusing excessively on oversight functions. He expressed concern that the legislature has yet to complete essential electoral reforms with less than two years to the 2027 general elections.

“We need pragmatic electoral reforms. It is sad that till this moment, the National Assembly has yet to finish with reforms critical to free and fair elections. Going into 2027 with a flawed constitution will be a great disservice to Nigeria,” Utomi said.

He stressed that legislative action is urgently needed in areas such as insecurity and constitutional amendments to allow for decentralised policing.

“It is fundamental that Nigeria decentralises policing such that communities, councils, and states can establish their own armed police forces, in addition to the federal police. This is now the fastest way to combat insecurity,” he said.

Utomi decried the worsening state of rural Nigeria, where insecurity has devastated livelihoods and deepened chronic poverty.

“Peasant farmers are being driven off their lands, worsening food insecurity and dragging millions deeper into poverty,” he said. “We must move away from this status quo, and Nigerians must rally to save their country.”

He maintained that while Nigeria is not yet a failed state, urgent action is required to prevent it from failing. “Existential threats facing Nigeria can be tackled if citizens and leaders rise to the challenge. The Big Tent remains committed to Nigeria’s vision as a beacon for African prosperity, akin to Southeast Asia’s transformation,” he stated.

Utomi also called for sweeping reforms in land tenure systems to stimulate economic activity. He urged the National Assembly to enact legislation that would establish comprehensive land registries, making land assets easier to trade and assign value to, thereby improving access to capital for farmers and entrepreneurs.

He highlighted how lack of collateral, inadequate infrastructure, and persistent security threats, such as farmer-herder conflicts and climate change, are hampering agricultural productivity and economic growth.

“We propose long-term strategies that will ensure food security, tackle capital access barriers, and drive mass entrepreneurship,” he said. He advocated for the revival of agricultural extension services through universities, similar to America’s land grant university system that catalysed its agricultural revolution.

Utomi stressed the importance of complementing military and police actions with political engagements involving sponsors of terrorism and insurgency. He referenced a Forest Rangers scheme previously proposed under Chief Audu Ogbeh’s tenure as Minister of Agriculture, suggesting it could significantly enhance security in rural areas if properly implemented.

“The urgency to address insecurity cannot be overemphasised. Poverty leaves vulnerable people open to manipulation by forces intent on destabilising society. Fighting poverty with passion will, therefore, help reduce insecurity,” Utomi asserted.

On the rising apathy towards elections, Utomi said many Nigerians have become disillusioned due to repeated exploitation by politicians. He said there is a pressing need for political movements that can rekindle public interest and restore faith in the electoral process.