Power Tariff Increase Sparks Outrage: What It Means for Nigerians

Electricity consumers in Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti states are voicing their frustration over increased electricity tariffs despite ongoing power supply issues.

In a survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), many residents described the tariff hike as unfair, arguing that the government should focus on improving power supply instead.

Former Vice President of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) South-West, Sadiq Adewale, attributed Nigeria’s power problems to obsolete equipment used by generation (Gencos) and distribution companies (Discos).

He emphasized that without upgrading to modern infrastructure, reliable electricity would remain a challenge. He also pointed out that the country’s power generation capacity is far below demand.

Many small business owners say poor electricity supply is affecting their livelihoods.

• Abiodun Ogunyomi, a resident of Ile-Ife, described the situation as frustrating and said the tariff increase shows the government’s lack of concern for ordinary citizens.
• Dara Olagoke from Osogbo noted that power in his area is irregular, making the tariff hike unjustifiable.
• Sunday Ajibade, a landlord in Ado-Ekiti, condemned the high electricity bills, saying some residents receive monthly charges of N25,000 or more despite erratic supply.
• Iyabo Ogundele, a frozen food seller, and Joel Ilesanmi, a barber, both said their businesses are suffering due to unreliable power, forcing them to rely on expensive fuel for generators.

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) blamed power shortages on limited energy allocation from Gencos, grid disturbances, energy theft, vandalism, and non-payment of bills.

Senior Communication Officer Kikelomo Owoeye explained that IBEDC distributes power based on customer bands:

1. Band A: 20 hours of electricity
2. Band B: 16 hours
3. Band C: 12 hours
4. Band D: 8 hours
5. Band E: 4 hours

She added that maintaining and upgrading electricity infrastructure requires adequate funding, which relies on timely bill payments.

Many residents are demanding reforms to address Nigeria’s ongoing power crisis:

• James Anifowose, a welder, called for the revocation of licenses for non-performing Discos.
• Kehinde Owolabi, a hospitality entrepreneur, urged the government to invest in renewable energy like solar and wind power to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
• Solomon Ogunlola, a business center operator, emphasized the need for a balanced approach to energy pricing to avoid burdening ordinary Nigerians.
• Daniel Akeju, a resident of Akure, questioned why tariffs keep rising despite inconsistent power supply.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ekiti highlighted outdated transformers as a major cause of power outages.

• NLC Secretary, Dr. Foluso Taiwo, noted that most transformers were installed decades ago when populations were smaller. With more houses relying on the same infrastructure, transformers are overloaded, leading to frequent breakdowns.
• Taiwo also criticized successive civilian governments for failing to complete any major power generation projects, despite Nigeria’s abundance of natural gas.
• He warned that corruption in the power sector remains a key obstacle to achieving stable electricity in the country

Amid rising electricity costs and worsening supply, many Nigerians are supporting the NLC’s proposed strike against the tariff increase.

• Kehinde Aruleba, a teacher in Akure, said non-metered households suffer the most, receiving inflated bills as high as N40,000 per month despite long power outages.
• Abiodun Ibiwoye, a trader, said the high cost of electricity forced her to switch to solar power for her business.
• Many customers also report that prepaid meters consume units too quickly, making power even more expensive.

With public outrage growing, many Nigerians are calling on the government to take urgent action to ensure affordable and reliable electricity.