The Enugu State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has openly backed the decision of the Enugu State Government to reduce electricity tariffs for Band A consumers, describing it as a pro-people initiative. In a statement released on Monday and signed by the Chairman, Comrade Bartholomew Ebuka Okoh, the council expressed its full support for the action, which saw the state government lower the tariff from N209 to N160 per kilowatt hour.

The move, announced by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), was aimed at easing the financial pressure on citizens at a time when Nigerians are grappling with escalating costs of living, particularly in the energy sector. However, the federal government, through the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has challenged the state’s authority to make such a decision, sparking controversy and public outcry.

In its statement titled *”Enugu Youths Stand With Our State Government On Electricity Tariff Reduction,”* the NYCN condemned the federal government’s stance, accusing it of being disconnected from the hardships ordinary Nigerians face. The group criticized NERC for attempting to reverse what it called a “kind gesture” by the state government, insisting that the action reflects leadership that prioritizes citizens’ welfare over profit.

“It is disappointing that instead of commending this intervention aimed at helping poor households and struggling small businesses, the federal authorities are attempting to stop it,” the youth group said. They also pointed out the irony of paying high electricity bills despite unreliable power supply in the state, arguing that the state’s intervention was a response to public frustration.

The NYCN called on other states to emulate Enugu by taking similar steps to cushion the economic burdens on citizens. “This is the kind of leadership young Nigerians crave—leaders who are people-centered and unafraid to challenge exploitative systems,” the group added.

The youths also warned that they are closely monitoring the situation and would not tolerate any attempt to undermine the state’s efforts. They emphasized that Enugu’s bold decision should be applauded rather than attacked, and urged the EEDC and the state government not to retreat under federal pressure.

“Abuja must stop bullying states that are doing the right thing. Our future is too important to be sacrificed for corporate profits,” the statement concluded.