For many Nigerians, electricity is more than utility, it is a lifeline, powering homes, businesses, and livelihoods.
However, the recent hike in electricity tariffs, particularly for Band A customers, has sparked frustration and complaints from a significant portion of the population.
The once tolerable bills have now surged to levels that many find unbearable, and as the economy continues to struggle, the rising cost of energy is adding more fuel to an already heated situation.
The Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) classified electricity consumers into bands based on their average daily hours of supply.
Band A customers, who are promised a minimum of 20 hours of electricity per day, fall into the highest tariff category.
While they enjoy relatively more consistent power supply compared to lower bands, they are also subjected to the highest rates.
The recent tariff increases, announced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), have left many Band A consumers in disbelief. What was once seen as a reasonable exchange, paying more for stable power, has now become a burden.
In Lagos, Abuja, and other cities, the grumbles have grown louder as customers complain about paying more for what they believe is not always reliable service.
Mr. Benson Akujor, a consumer rights enthusiast, in a parley with Daily Independent on the untoward development said, “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”.
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.
He added that many consumers have reported paying exorbitant amounts for electricity they barely enjoy, especially with the prevailing economic hardship.
As a result, protests have erupted in various regions, with residents demanding a reduction in tariffs or an improvement in service delivery.
These protests, while peaceful, highlight the increasing anger among citizens who feel they are being exploited despite their classification as high-priority consumers.
The outcry is not just about the tariffs, but also about the lack of transparency in billing systems.
Band A consumers have lamented the irregularities in their electricity bills, with many accusing the power distribution companies of overcharging them without justification.
Some have threatened to stop paying their bills altogether unless the government intervenes to regulate the prices and ensure accountability from the power companies.
This ongoing issue has placed a strain on households and businesses alike, as they grapple with balancing inflated power bills and declining purchasing power.
As gathered by Daily Independent, Band A customers are feeling the sting of the increased tariffs, and their voices are filled with exasperation.
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Mrs. Bisi Adeyemi, a resident of Ikeja, Lagos, expressed her frustration. “When I first moved into this neighborhood, I was paying about ₦15,000 per month for electricity. Now, my bill has doubled. I understand that we are supposed to get 20 to 24 hours of electricity, but there are days when the power goes out for long hours, and yet my bill does not reduce. I am not sure of what we are paying for anymore.”
Mr. Ahmed Bello, a small business owner in Abuja, also shared his grievances. “I run a barbershop, and electricity is crucial to my business. I try to avoid using a generator because of the high cost of fuel, but the new tariffs are killing my business. I now pay more than ₦50,000 per month just to power my shop, and this is affecting my profits. I might as well go back to using the generator full-time.”
In Port Harcourt, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Okoye, a mother of three, 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.”
For many customers, the increased tariff feels like a betrayal of trust.
The promise of improved service in exchange for higher rates has not been consistently fulfilled, and Band Acustomers, who are supposed to receive the best service, often find themselves in the same boat as lower-tier consumers. This imbalance has led to widespread resentment, as people feel they are paying more without a corresponding improvement in service delivery.
While the electricity distribution companies (DisCos) argue that the tariff hike is necessary to cover the rising cost of generating and distributing power, customers like Mr. Chinedu Eze from Lekki, Lagos, are not convinced.
“The DisCos keep telling us that the increase is to make the system more efficient. But, what about us? How do they expect regular people to cope? They keep hiking the prices, but the salaries don’t increase, and inflation is at an all-time high. Something has to give.”
The economic realities of Nigeria today make the tariff increases even more difficult for citizens to swallow.
With inflation hovering above 20%, the cost of living has skyrocketed, affecting everything from food to transportation. Many Nigerians are already struggling with day-to-day expenses, and the burden of high electricity bills only adds to their woes.
In Mowe, Ogun State, Mr. Ayo Arokola, a civil servant, shared his struggle: “How can we survive with this kind of electricity bill? I have to borrow money sometimes just to pay. And when we don’t pay, they cut us off immediately. It’s unfair.”
Arokola added, “For a country still grappling with unemployment, underemployment, and economic instability, the additional pressure on households from increasing electricity tariffs has become a major talking point in many homes and businesses.
Even with the relatively better supply for Band A customers, the consensus among many is that the government needs to revisit the pricing structure and address the disconnect between the service promised and the service delivered.”
As the frustration grows, many consumers are calling for action. One of the key demands is a review of the tariff structure, particularly for Band A customers.
Many believe that while it is understandable that power costs money, the current pricing is simply unsustainable for average Nigerians.
Civil society organizations and consumer rights groups have also weighed in on the issue.
Mrs. Gloria Adamu, an advocate for fair energy practices, commented, “What we are seeing now is that Nigerians are being priced out of electricity. If you look at the trend, the tariff increases are not matched with improvements in service quality. The NERC and the government must step in to protect consumers. It is not just about raising money, it’s about ensuring that electricity is affordable and accessible.”
Adamu, in her view on the issue, said: “The current electricity tariff situation for Band A customers in Nigeria underscores a wider issue about the balance between providing services and ensuring they are affordable. While the electricity companies have valid concerns about cost recovery and operational efficiency, the government must not lose sight of the fact that many Nigerians are barely surviving in the current economic climate.
She added, “For Band A customers who were once willing to pay more for better service, the growing financial strain and inconsistencies in electricity supply have turned that willingness into frustration. As calls for tariff reviews and better service intensify, it is clear that the current system is due for reevaluation.”
She further opined that “In the end, it’s not just about the electricity, it’s about fairness, affordability, and ensuring that every Nigerian can live with the dignity of consistent and reasonably priced power.”
