The recent increase in government electricity tariff has sparked worries among Nigerians regarding the dependability of power supply and its potential adverse impact on economic stability and growth.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) recently announced a sudden upward adjustment in electricity tariff effective from April 3, 2024.
During a press briefing in Abuja, NERC vice chairman, Musiliu Oseni, revealed the decision, specifying that only customers in Band A would be affected by the revision.
A business owner residing in Lugbe FCT, Ugwu Ikechukwu Ejiofor expressed his frustration to LEADERSHIP Sunday, highlighting the ongoing challenge of unreliable power supply despite significant tariff hikes.
He stressed that operational difficulties persist due to frequent blackouts, rendering the tariff increases ineffective if power reliability remains an issue.
“It’s incredibly frustrating. We’re paying more for electricity, but what good is it if we cannot rely on having power when we need it?
“It’s crippling our ability to operate efficiently and grow our business,” remarked Ikechukwu.
This sentiment is shared by many consumers who experience rising electricity bills without seeing corresponding improvements in service. Erratic power supply exacerbates financial strain on households, emphasizing the urgency for reliable electricity.
Ikechukwu called on the government to prioritise investments in power generation and distribution infrastructure, stressing that enhancing power supply reliability is crucial to fostering economic growth and stability.
“We need more than just incremental changes; we need a fundamental overhaul of our power infrastructure. Metering every household is a step in the right direction to ensure accountability, but it’s meaningless if there’s no reliable power to begin with,” he emphasized.
Recognizing the collective responsibility in addressing this issue, a barber Gabriel Terkula stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between the government and the populace.
Advocating for transparency in energy policies and active participation in advocating for infrastructure improvements, he underscored the pivotal role electricity plays in driving economic prosperity, urging the government to deliver tangible improvements in power infrastructure for the benefit of all.
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