Electricity supply across Nigeria has recorded mixed fortunes, with some states reporting significant improvements while others continue to face prolonged outages. Investigations showed that households in Lagos, Bayelsa, Ogun, Delta, and Akwa Ibom enjoy more hours of electricity, but residents in Sokoto, Ekiti, Yobe, and Abuja lament worsening power shortages.
Tariff Hike Sparks Complaints
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) implemented a Service-Based Tariff in 2023, placing customers into bands based on daily supply hours. The sharpest effect has been felt by Band A customers, whose tariff skyrocketed from N66 to N225 per kilowatt-hour in 2024.
While those on Band A, such as consumers in Osogbo and parts of Lagos, report improved supply, the soaring costs have forced many to disconnect from the grid.
A trader in Agege, Lagos, said:
“The light is stable but the money we pay at the end of the month is too much. The tariff is too high for us.”
Frontpagenews.ng reports that in Abeokuta and Sagamu, many residents complained of being left in blackout for weeks, while others credited the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) for improved hours of supply.
Regional Perspectives
Bayelsa: Supply improved after the restoration of vandalised towers, though residents credited the state government rather than the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
Delta: Business owners say longer supply hours have reduced reliance on petrol-powered generators.
Akwa Ibom: Officials of Ibom Power admitted that supply remains relative and differs from one community to another.
Ondo South: Communities in six local governments have been in darkness for several years, prompting government plans to take over distribution from Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).
Ekiti: While some say prepaid meters boosted supply consistency, others argue outages persist, especially in Ado Ekiti.
Citizens Call for Balance
Although Nigerians welcome improved electricity in certain states, the burden of high tariffs remains a major sticking point. Residents insist that the Federal Government must balance affordability with availability to prevent pushing more households and businesses back to costly generators.
