LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Electricity tariff increases in Nigeria have been a recurring topic in the country’s energy scene, with adjustments have being made over the years in response to different factors.Ā
Since the advent of democracy in 1999, Nigeria has witnessed significant changes in electricity tariffs, impacting both consumers and businesses across the nation.
These adjustments have played a crucial role in shaping the electricity landscape.
As Nigeria continues to develop and strive for what the government call improved energy access, tariff revisions have been implemented.
In the early years of democratic rule, tariffs were relatively low, hovering around ā¦5 per kilowatt-hour, with minimal increases occurring sporadically.
However, as the need to address inefficiencies and modernize the power sector became apparent, significant adjustments were made.Ā
READ ALSO: No To Increase In Electricity Tariff ā Reps Hammer NERC
By 2005, tariffs had doubled to approximately ā¦10 per kilowatt-hour, marking the first substantial increase in years.
This trend continued in 2012, as tariffs rose again to about ā¦20 per kilowatt-hour amid efforts to reform the power sector and improve service delivery.
Further adjustments followed in 2015, with tariffs reaching around ā¦30 per kilowatt-hour as the government sought to sustain momentum in its power sector reforms.
However, it was in 2020 that Nigerians experienced a significant jolt, with tariffs skyrocketing to approximately ā¦68 per kilowatt-hour amidst economic challenges and growing demand for electricity.
Now, in 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced yet another tariff increase, particularly affecting Band A customers.
The proposed hike to ā¦225 per kilowatt-hour represents a drastic jump from previous rates, eliciting concerns and discussions about its potential impact on the economy and the populace.
Nigerians Groan
READ ALSO: See Full List Of Lagos Areas Enjoying 20-24 Hours Power Supply, Others
Many have taken to social media to knock the government for increasing electricity tarriff while the minimum wage remain the same.
Taha Adams wrote on X formerly Twitter:
“You removed the subsidy on PMS, increased the tariff on electricity, but you failed to increase the salaries of your civil servants! Nothing to cushion these hardships! How do you expect them to survive? Where is the justice here? Where do our leaders take their advice from? Fuel subsidy Gone. Education subsidy Gone. Electricity subsidy GoneĀ
Minimum wage still at 30K, inflation is still through the roof, People are dying of hunger ! Whatās wrong with Tinubuās government ?”
Mr El-Bonga wondered why the government who is able to provide subsidy for religion tourism failed to do same for electricity.
“Minimum wage is still N30k despite subsidy removal for electricity and petrol. Governors who claim not to have money for minimum wage have been busy conducting Ramadan feeding and carrying out Hajj subsidies to the tune of billions. If youāre poor in Nigeria, youāre on your own. Enough money (billions) to subsidize religious pilgrimage that adds no value to this country. But not enough money to subsidize electricity that is key to the economy. When we are ready, we will get serious”.
Former Kaduna lawmaker, Shehu Sani tweeted:
“Increasing electricity tariffs by 300% will finally electrocute human lives and businesses in the country.”