Nigeria’s electricity tariff hike, with a 300% increase for Band A customers, has sparked concern as power remains unreliable. Despite subsidy removal to cut costs, businesses and households still rely on costly alternatives. Critics argue the policy worsens economic hardship without improving supply, urging the government to reconsider its approach.
BusinessDay’s April 2025 TalkExchange poll has revealed that most Nigerians are against the recent increase in electricity tariffs for high-usage consumers and the reduction of government subsidies on electricity. The data reflects growing concerns over affordability, fairness, and the effectiveness of these reforms.
According to the poll, 73.3% of respondents said they do not support the recent tariff hike or the reduction in subsidies. Only 24.4% expressed support, while 2.2% were unsure.
The impact on households and businesses is evident. When asked whether the new tariff has made electricity more difficult to afford, 60% said it had become “much more difficult,” while 28.9% said it was “somewhat more difficult.” Only 8.9% reported no change, and a mere 2.2% said electricity had become easier to afford.
Concerns about Nigeria’s long-term economic future were also addressed. While 33.3% agreed that reducing subsidies and increasing tariffs is necessary for economic stability, a larger share—57.8%—disagreed. Another 8.9% were undecided.
Regarding the potential benefits of the reforms, 53.3% of respondents do not believe that they will attract investment or improve electricity reliability. Only 28.9% were optimistic, with 17.8% unsure.
The issue of fairness also drew strong reactions. 75.6% believe the current tariff and subsidy policies are unfair to Nigerians. Only 15.6% said they are fair.
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Public reactions: Views from Nigerians
In response to how the reforms have affected their daily lives, many Nigerians shared their experiences and offered suggestions.
“The electricity available has not improved but has become more costly. I can’t use all my appliances, and the cost of doing business has gone up. Alternatives like solar have also become more expensive, making life unbearable in the heat,” one respondent said.
Another commented, “The recent electricity tariff is both discriminatory and exploitative to the consumers. The Federal and State Governments have failed in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity.”
Some noted they had shifted to alternative energy. “I have purchased solar panels to reduce my daytime grid dependence,” a respondent explained. Another said, “We use energy-saving bulbs and put on fridges and freezers only from 6 pm to 6 am daily. We reduced use of heaters and completely stopped using air-conditioners.”
Others highlighted systemic issues. “The electricity tariff hike is not the solution to the Discos’ problem. They are grossly understaffed. Their staff help people bypass meters. They do not support local computer makers. The regulatory body is corrupt,” one respondent shared.
One respondent added, “The government should assist the Discos or better still take it over. The rate of abnormality is unusual.”
Another participant recommended, “Fix transmission so Discos can distribute more power generated by Gencos.”
Some respondents expressed mixed views, acknowledging the potential for reform but criticising the process. “It has helped me to control energy wastage. Nigerians need this to shift the mindset of entitlement. But the government must improve transmission infrastructure and Discos must invest in distribution,” one person said.
“The tariff hike is necessary to attract new investment,” said another, “but overhauling dilapidated distribution networks is key.”
A few others focused on the wider economic context. “Subsidising electricity will be fairer and impact more citizens. It will spur productivity and increase government revenue,” one respondent said.
“I feel like I spend more on my prepaid meter than on feeding,” another person noted.
Take a look at previous poll results.
