The recent increase in government electricity tariff has sparked concerns and outbursts among Nigerians regarding the dependability of power supply and its potential adverse impact on economic stability and growth.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) recently announced a sudden upward adjustment in electricity tariff effective from April 3, 2024.
In Lagos, and across Nigeria, electricity tariffs for Band A customers (those receiving at least 20 hours of electricity daily) have recently increased, with the NERC approving a hike from N68 to N225 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
In recent separate interviews with residents and business owners in the environment, the consumers complained profusely and pleaded intervention from the government.
In Omomo street of Ogba environs, a food seller of calabar pot kitchen, Mrs. Uduak, expressed concerns about the impact of rising tariffs on her business expenses.
“I run a restaurant, and electricity is important for my business to function better and retain customers. I try to avoid using a generator because of the high cost of fuel, but the new tariff is killing my business. I now pay more than ₦50,000 per month just to power my freezer and fans, and this is affecting my profits”.
A small business owner, Mr. summerset, also shared his grievances.
“I run a business center and electricity is crucial to my business. I try to avoid using a generator because of the high cost of fuel, but the new tariff is killing my business. I now pay more than ₦60,000 per month just to operate my computers and other machines, and this is affecting my profits. I might as well go back to using the generator full-time.”
Another consumer Mr, Akujor explained that the recent tariff hike has intensified the frustrations of Band A consumers, who feel they are being unfairly targeted by the electricity distribution companies. “In fact, Band A electricity consumers, the group categorised to receive 20 to 24 hours of power supply daily, are currently groaning under the weight of soaring electricity tariffs.
“Despite being promised consistent power supply, many residents in this band complain of frequent outages and unreliable service. The combination of high electricity costs and intermittent supply has fueled discontent, leaving consumers frustrated as they struggle to keep up with their electricity bills in the face of Nigeria’s harsh economic conditions”.
A mother of three, Mrs. Sola Adegoke, expressed concerns about the impact of rising tariffs on her household expenses. “We were promised better service with the increased tariffs, but it feels like we are paying for what we don’t always receive. Imagine paying ₦35,000 every month when the salary hasn’t changed.
“The government and the power companies should do better. If they can’t reduce the tariffs, they should at least ensure that the electricity is stable.”
