Falana Sues Ikeja Electric For Failing To Deliver 20-Hour Power Supply To Band ‘A’ Customers
Justice Lewis Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos has permitted prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana to proceed with legal action against Ikeja Electric Plc over its alleged failure to meet its 20-hour daily power supply commitment to Band “A” customers.
The court approved Falana’s request for a writ of mandamus compelling Ikeja Electric to provide detailed information about its compliance with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) directive for Band “A” power supply.
The decision followed an ex-parte application filed by Tope Alabi of Falana & Falana Chambers, supported by a 14-paragraph affidavit sworn by Titilayo Omolasho, a legal officer with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch.
In April 2024, Ikeja Electric classified customers into bands—A, B, C, and D—introducing corresponding tariff adjustments. Band “A” customers were promised a minimum of 20 hours of uninterrupted electricity daily at a tariff rate initially set at ₦225 per kWh, later reduced to ₦206.80 per kWh in May 2024.
However, Omolasho claimed that Ikeja Electric has consistently failed to deliver the promised service to Band “A” customers, including Falana.
According to the affidavit, Falana formally requested detailed information from Ikeja Electric in a letter dated May 24, 2024, seeking clarity on the company’s compliance with its service obligations under NERC regulations. Despite this, the company reportedly failed to respond or provide the requested information.
The case underscores growing concerns about the reliability of electricity supply and adherence to regulatory commitments by service providers.
Justice Allagoa’s ruling allows Falana to pursue legal remedies to hold Ikeja Electric accountable for its service commitments, potentially setting a precedent for consumer rights enforcement in the power sector.
