Why More Celebrities Must Join Kate Henshaw In Exposing Nigeria’s Power Sector Fraud (OPINION)

By Isaac Asabor

In a country where public silence often accompanies government inefficiency, Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has once again proven that celebrity influence can, and should, be a force for social accountability. Her recent dissonance on the scandalous electricity banding system introduced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) was not just a rant, it was a clarion call.

Describing the so-called “Band A” electricity classification as a “huge fraud,” Henshaw took to her X (formerly Twitter) account to blast the disparity between what Nigerians are billed for and what they actually receive. According to the regulatory body, Band A customers are supposed to enjoy up to 20 hours of power daily in exchange for exorbitant rates. But the reality, as many have attested, is a pathetic and shameful contrast. “If you get 2 hours, to God be the glory,” Henshaw wrote with trademark bluntness.

And she is absolutely right. The whole arrangement reeks of institutional deception and exploitation. But beyond that, what makes this situation even more infuriating is the deafening silence from Nigeria’s A-list celebrities, influencers, and social media powerhouses who command millions of followers but shy away from confronting structural rot.

In a world where celebrity culture has more traction than political manifestos, public figures have a unique platform that can influence change, or at the very least, start uncomfortable but necessary conversations. Kate Henshaw has always stood out as one of the few in the entertainment industry who doesn’t just flash smiles for the camera but speaks up, even when it’s unpopular.

But where are her colleagues? Where are the musicians, actors, and reality stars whose livelihoods are also affected by the epileptic power supply? Many of them own production companies, recording studios, beauty salons, and event centers that rely heavily on stable electricity. Instead of channeling their collective outrage into a powerful movement that could hold NERC and distribution companies accountable, many are content with generator-powered lifestyles and pretense.

Let us be clear: silence is not neutrality. In Nigeria’s context, silence from public figures on issues that affect the masses amounts to complicity. Electricity is not a luxury—it’s a basic necessity. The lack of it cripples businesses, jeopardizes health, frustrates education, and contributes significantly to the country’s economic stagnation. And yet, the elite and celebrities, those whose voices carry weight, often choose curated posts, fashion launches, and endorsement gigs over advocacy for systemic reform.

This is where Henshaw’s voice becomes not just commendable, but essential. Her courage has opened the floodgates for others to share their own experiences, validate frustrations, and demand answers. Her choice to speak up should not be the exception; it should be the standard.

Let us talk about the fraud itself. NERC’s banding system was designed to classify power consumers into five bands, A to E, based on daily electricity supply. Band A customers, supposedly the most “privileged,” are required to pay significantly higher rates in exchange for up to 20 hours of power daily. Sounds reasonable on paper, but in practice, it has become yet another scam wrapped in bureaucratic jargon.

Reports from consumers across the country paint a bleak picture, Band A consumers often receive less than five hours of electricity per day, yet their bills skyrocket. How is it that a consumer under Band A is being billed based on a phantom supply that exists only on paper? If this is not systemic fraud, what is?

Even worse, the regulatory authorities remain largely unbothered. There is no urgency to correct the discrepancies. There is no apology. There is no accountability. Just press releases and more excuses.

Imagine the impact if just ten other top-tier celebrities joined Kate Henshaw in exposing this mess. Imagine if some celebrities who have over 15 million followers, and thus have massive reach, and global visibility, publicly demanded accountability in Nigeria’s power sector. The ripple effect would be seismic. International media would pay attention. Policymakers would squirm. Regulatory bodies would be forced to act.

Yet, many stay silent. Why? Because political neutrality has become a mask for self-preservation. Speaking out in Nigeria comes with risks, especially if your brand is tied to corporate sponsors or political godfathers. But let us not forget: true leadership is never risk-free.

Being a celebrity in Nigeria today is more than a career, it is a moral responsibility. It is not enough to flaunt wealth or become the face of multinational brands. Influence must come with accountability, especially in a country plagued by corruption, impunity, and poor governance.

When Kate Henshaw speaks, she represents millions who cannot afford to be heard. When she challenges a system, she puts herself in the line of fire for the greater good. That is the kind of activism we need, not just from actors but from anyone with a platform.

The truth is, if celebrities keep ignoring the rot in the system because they can insulate themselves with money and privilege, one day the rot will spread too far. The private jets won’t matter. The security convoys won’t save them. And the Instagram filters won’t hide the decay.

The energy crisis in Nigeria is not just a “government problem.” It’s a national emergency. And while Kate Henshaw has rightly used her voice to sound the alarm, the burden should not rest on her shoulders alone. Her stand should be a wake-up call to every celebrity with a platform, every influencer with a following, and every Nigerian who still has the guts to say: “This is not okay.”

It is high time celebrities stopped treating advocacy as a seasonal trend and started seeing it as an extension of their influence. Kate Henshaw has shown what it means to speak truth to power, even when it is uncomfortable. The question now is: who else is bold enough to follow her lead?

Because in a nation where the lights keep going out, the least we can do is raise our voices, loud, united, and uncompromising.