Electricity And The Stress It Imposes On Nigerians

There are widespread reports on Ghana’s decision to make electricity temporarily free in some areas due to the second wave of COVID-19.

However, in Nigeria people recently registered their displeasure on the increasing rate of electricity tariff. In its attempt to debunk the claims, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) stated that it only made an adjustment from 2 to 4 Naira.

For the 2nd time since the onset of the pandemic, Ghana is offering free electricity to a section of its consumers.

In Nigeria, the tariffs are rising. Leadership standards in Nigeria have plummeted so badly that we don't even look to the West any longer. Just Ghana over there!

— 'Fisayo Soyombo (@fisayosoyombo) January 6, 2021

With further analysis, this statement only affirms what some citizens already believe. Furthermore, there is a disparity in the actual rate of increase. It also highlights how expensive electricity has become in Nigeria despite its unstable state.

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In these unprecedented times when most nations are struggling to recover post-lockdown, Nigerian citizens are not unreasonable to expect better from the government. The adjustment to the tariffs would not be an issue if the power supply is reliable.

The need for a stable power supply

The outbreak of COVID-19 in Nigeria brought about some crucial revelations. Despite huge donations intended to cater for the masses, only a handful of people benefitted. This gave rise to many questions, “Are the leaders truly there for the people or for themselves?’’

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Many a time, Nigerians struggle to create an enabling environment to make ends meet. They are constantly met with gridlocks. Poor electricity supply is one of may challenges that Nigerians deal with on a daily basis and for many years.

Perhaps someone that understands the @NERCNG statement can explain it to me. All I know is that I bought N50,000 electricity on 27 December 2020 and got 968.2 units. I then bought the same N50,000 electricity on 4th January 2021 and got only 934.9 units. The rest na Physics. 😂 pic.twitter.com/96IMLps71z

— Dr. Joe Abah (@DrJoeAbah) January 5, 2021

The inability of the government to provide a stable power supply despite the funds that have been pumped into the sector for years has been a topic for unending discussion.

A good people with questionable leadership

With the many challenges bedevilling Nigeria as a nation, good people who continue to strive with no help from the government are a blessing.

Before the hike in tarrif, my area was having almost 20hrs of electricity per day, but now that it has been increased, it has been more irregular and the use of generator is on the increase. Another increment makes no sense tbvh.

— Segun Obadare (@uniqueobd) January 5, 2021

Many households and businesses rely on generators as an alternative to electricity supply. The cost of fuelling those is another financial burden in addition to servicing and maintenance. And yet, fuel tariffs also increase from time to time.

So, to what end is the increase in tariff for electricity that is inconsistent? It appears to be an avenue for generating funds for a sector whose services are not completely inefficient.

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This is a rhetoric Nigerians are used to. But for how long will the good people of this great nation continue to be treated less than they deserve? Worse still, why should citizens pay for services they aren’t getting?

This is one question we may never get an answer to!