Nigerians reject proposed electricity tariff hike amid chronic power failures
What happened: DAILY POST reports that the Tinubu administration is considering a phased electricity tariff increase across all customer bands, despite denying the reports. Critics argue the government has failed to improve power supply, with generation stuck between 3,500 and 4,500 megawatts since 2023 while serving over 200 million Nigerians. Band A customers already faced a nearly 300% tariff hike in April 2024 but still experience unreliable supply.
Why it matters: Consumers say there is no moral justification for higher tariffs when electricity remains epileptic. Experts like Kunle Olubiyo of the Nigeria Consumer Protection Network criticize the failed 13‑year privatisation model, citing leakages, poor accountability, and manual metering that inflates costs. Princewill Okorie of the Electricity Consumer Protection Advocacy Centre warns that any tariff hike will deepen hardship and demands an audit of DisCos investments and foreign aid before further increases.
What you should know: The presidency denies the plan, but fear persists. Consumers are urging the government to first fix supply and audit sector funds, mirroring reforms in the forex and petroleum sectors. Without reliable power, higher tariffs will only increase household and business costs.