By Abayomi Odunowo. Tuesday 29th April 2025.
In an era where transparency and honesty are the bedrocks of governance, it is profoundly disturbing to witness how some factions within the government resort to spinning narratives that defy logic and fiscal comprehension. Take, for instance, the staggering claim that an entity consumes an astounding 3.9 billion Naira monthly on power consumption. For a populace grappling with economic constraints, this figure is alarming. A closer examination reveals not only the implausibility of this assertion but also the wider implications of such misleading information on public trust, accountability, and governance.
Let’s delve into the numbers to shed light on this questionable claim. As of April 2025, the electricity tariff for Band A customers in Nigeria stands at approximately ₦225 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The classification into Band A is indicative of a premium service level, typically benefitting affluent neighborhoods or industrial zones that enjoy sustained electricity supply at least 20 hours a day.
To fully appreciate the absurdity of a N3.9 billion Naira bill, one must first grasp how energy consumption translates into costs. For a customer consuming 1 megawatt (MW) continuously for an hour, they would require 1,000 kWh. Over an average month of 720 hours, this translates to a staggering monthly consumption of 720,000 kWh. Computing the costs yields:
**720,000 kWh × ₦225 per kWh = ₦162,000,000 per month.**
When we consider more realistic consumption patterns, such as using the 1 MW generator for 20 hours daily, we see the cost reflecting a different picture:
**Daily energy use: 1,000 kW × 20 hours = 20,000 kWh.**
**Monthly energy use: 20,000 kWh/day × 30 days = 600,000 kWh.**
**Monthly cost: 600,000 kWh × ₦225 = ₦135,000,000.**
Thus, the contention that a standard household or even a large facility could be racking up nearly 4 billion Naira in electricity expenses per month is not only misleading but profoundly challenging to accept. To bolster this further, if we even consider a diesel generator running for merely four hours daily, the anticipated fuel cost alone would approximate to:
**₦1,440,000 per day (for four hours) × 30 days = ₦43,200,000 monthly.**
Yet, this figure does not encompass maintenance, operational costs, or unexpected repairs, which could reasonably push monthly expenditures to around ₦47–₦50 million. Thus, realistically, the monthly energy budget for consuming power at a 1 MW rate should hover around ₦135 million, comfortably below the upper limits assigned in these overblown claims.
What do these figures tell us? They reveal a glaring opportunity for accountability within our governance structure. Claims that do not stand the test of scrutiny not only undermine the credibility of government officials but erode public trust. The citizens need honest representation of their fiscal realities and the services they are receiving. It is imperative that our leaders provide clear, transparent, and accurate information regarding costs associated with essential services like electricity and ensure that they align closely with the actual economic circumstances people face.
We must remain vigilant and discerning. The fear and confusion instilled by inflated numbers serve only to alienate and disillusion a populace desperately seeking clarity and just governance. It is the duty of each citizen to question rather than passively accept these dubious assertions after all, the integrity of our nation rests on the actions and words of those in power. If we strive for a democratic environment driven by truth and accountability, we must challenge the status quo and demand to understand the true nature of our realities as taxpayers. It is crucial that we, as a society, seek to foster an informed dialogue, one where accuracy prevails over sensationalism, thereby paving the way for a more trustworthy and efficient governance structure that serves everyone equitably.
**Signed,**
Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
National Chairman AATSG
Email: nchairman@aatsg.org.ng
Phone: +234-9053535322
Website: www.aatsg.org.ng
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