Over a year after the Nigerian government removed subsidies and increased electricity tariffs for Band A customers by over 300%, consumers are decrying exorbitant charges amid unreliable power supply.
Over a year after the Nigerian government removed subsidies and increased electricity tariffs for Band A customers by over 300%, consumers are decrying exorbitant charges amid unreliable power supply. Band A users, meant to receive a minimum of 20 hours of electricity daily, report falling short of the benchmark, with many still relying on generators.
While some like Emmanuel Abel in Asokoro report steady supply, others complain of frequent outages and inflated bills. Small business owners say the costs are unsustainable, forcing them to raise prices or turn to solar alternatives. In Kano, industrialists report monthly electricity expenses of up to N4 million, hampering productivity.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has directed DisCos to compensate customers on underperforming feeders. Experts and analysts blame inadequate infrastructure and poor investment. Many Nigerians now demand tariff reviews, subsidy reinstatements, or reclassification to lower bands to stay afloat.