Abuja, Nigeria – Residents in Abuja’s Band A electricity bracket are calling on the Federal Government to reduce the high electricity tariffs, which they say have become unaffordable amid the country’s economic challenges. Band A consumers, who receive at least 20 hours of electricity daily, are charged N209.5 per kilowatt-hour (KWh) – a rate many feel is unsustainable given current financial hardships.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), residents from areas such as Lugbe, Area 10, and the Apo resettlement area voiced their frustrations, expressing that while consistent power is appreciated, the high cost is taking a toll on household budgets and small businesses alike.
Mrs. Amen Odigie, a civil servant from Lugbe, shared that her monthly electricity costs for a two-bedroom apartment surpass N30,000. “The current economic hardship makes it difficult to manage expenses. This tariff is eating into my income, and I appeal to the government to reconsider the rates,” she said.
Mr. Ugochukwu Okafor, a vulcanizer also from Lugbe, lamented that his income barely covers the high tariff. “The Band A rates are just too high. We need the government to address this, especially now,” he said.
Small business owners like Mrs. Anita Adaje, a fashion designer in the Apo resettlement area, and Mr. Festus Ogunbor, a printer in Area 10, are also feeling the pinch. Adaje noted that her high electricity costs cut deeply into her profits, and Ogunbor shared that he spends over N30,000 daily to power his printing equipment. “How can we make a living if electricity costs are so high?” Ogunbor asked, urging the government to ease the burden.
Residents hope that by voicing their concerns, authorities will address the high tariffs to support both individuals and businesses grappling with the economic challenges in the country.
