Should electricity tariff be increased?

Last week, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announced a hike in the price of electricity. This decision has been generating reactions across the country. We bring you the views of some Nigerians on the matter.

Sola Folashade, motivational speaker, Ibadan

It is insensitivity on the part of the government to propose an increment in electricity tariff. This government is a product of chance and the interest of her citizens is not paramount to them. With the level of hardship in the country, the government is thinking of an increase in electricity tariffs? What a heartless regime! Asking the citizens to pay more with this epileptic power supply is out of place. The most painful thing is that the money will end up in the pockets of some people. God bless Nigeria.

Debo Adeoye, public affairs analyst, Ibadan

The electricity tariff shouldn’t be increased at this time. Firstly, the power supply is not constant, and there must be value for whatever amount we are paying for goods and services in the country, especially government-owned services. If the government really means business, it should put machinery in place to improve our power sector. Secondly, Nigerians are suffering. Will you ask somebody who has not eaten to pay higher for power tariff? I think it is not wise for government to do such a thing.

Mrs Maria Obi, 47, trader, Calabar

This is unjust. How would the widows, unemployed or poorly paid people cope? Times are very hard. Please, they should not contemplate it. They should rather ensure that they improve the daily supply of power.

Abigail Kyaagba, 24, student, Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto

The planned increment is uncalled for because people would be forced to pay for what they are not enjoying, which is even the situation now. We are paying for the electricity that we are not getting. So I advise the government not to even think of increasing the tariff.

Solomon Alimasunya, 56, lawyer, Sokoto

I don’t think it is a good idea for anybody to suggest increment in electricity tariff. The timing is wrong, taking into consideration the situation of things in the country. People are suffering. Nigerians are really tired, they pay tariffs upon tariffs, from Value Added Tax (VAT) to petroleum, and now, electricity. The planned increment will not do anybody any good. Businesses are suffering because operators are now surviving on generators. Government should think of providing stable power supply, at least for now, not increment in tariff. The power sector has suffered a lot of damages because people who are supposed to manage the sector are the ones frustrating it because they are importing generators.

Mrs Rasheedat Fatai, 45, food seller, Osogbo

This is not a good time to increase electricity tariff because there is no money in circulation. The increment will bring more economic hardship to the less privileged. Actually, we are enjoying electricity in Osogbo and we are happy with it. They should let us continue with what we are paying now. We are okay with the amount we are paying now. We appeal to the government to leave the electricity tariff as it is now.

Emmanuel Takim Obi, 64, teacher/community leader, Calabar

It is improper to increase the tariff. Electricity services have not improved in recent times as promised, so there is no reason for that. Times are hard, especially for artisans who mostly rely on public power supply. They are bound to have greater challenges. People rely on estimated bills, which are exploitative.

Ummulkhair Abubakar Umar, 22, student, Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

I am against the increment because electricity is not stable. If it was stable people would not mind. I am advising the government to shelve the planned increment until when there is stable power supply.

Mohammed Azeez Olaiya, 59, businessman, Osogbo

This time around, the economic situation of majority of citizens is not very good, so increasing electricity tariff will amount to insensitivity.
Meanwhile, we are not really enjoying the electricity, so, if there is increment in tariff it will be a big burden on the people.