Electricity tariff: KEDCO seeks reconciliation with MAN, others after court judgment

The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has appealed to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and other affected customers to pursue a peaceful resolution following a recent court judgment. In a statement, Sani Bala Sani, spokesman of the DisCo, said that the company was inviting all aggrieved parties to engage in a roundtable, stating that […]

The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has appealed to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and other affected customers to pursue a peaceful resolution following a recent court judgment.

In a statement, Sani Bala Sani, spokesman of the DisCo, said that the company was inviting all aggrieved parties to engage in a roundtable, stating that the company emphasised its commitment to operating under strict regulations and maintaining a customer-centric approach.

Sani also noted that KEDCO’s board and management recognise the importance of manufacturers and were committed to enhancing electricity supply and cost efficiency within the Kano DisCo franchise area.

The appeal for reconciliation followed KEDCO’s legal victory against MAN, the Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (Kano State chapter), Tofa Textile Limited, Dala Foods Nigeria Ltd, Mama Sannu Ind. Ltd, BBY Super Sack Ltd and Super Sack Company Ltd.

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The companies had filed a suit in May, 2024, challenging the implementation of the April, 2024, Supplementary Order on Band A tariff increase.

On July 19, 2024, a Federal High Court in Kano dismissed the plaintiffs’ suit for lack of merit, ruling without cost.

Justice Simon A Amobeda resolved the three questions raised by the plaintiffs regarding the credibility, validity and legality of the April, 2024, Supplementary Order in the negative.

Justice Amobeda affirmed that the supplementary order was validly issued under the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) 2024, complying with the relevant provisions of the Electricity Act.

He held that the court found no evidence that Band A customers were unfairly treated compared to other categories and upheld the higher tariff for Band A users, which receive more electricity supply per day.

The plaintiffs’ claims of discrimination, unlawfulness and unconstitutionality were therefore rejected.