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Findings across the country have shown varying experiences in electricity supply, with improvements recorded in several states, while others continue to grapple with erratic power and high tariffs.
Investigations by Saturday PUNCH revealed that many residents in Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, and parts of Yobe State reported better supply compared to previous years. However, in places such as Ekiti, Sokoto, Abuja, and some parts of Yobe, consumers lamented persistent irregular supply.
Despite the gains, many Nigerians complained about skyrocketing tariffs, particularly for customers on Band A, who are entitled to at least 20 hours of daily supply. Under the Service-Based Tariff introduced in October 2023, electricity consumers were placed into five categories — Bands A to E. In April 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) raised the tariff for Band A customers from about ₦66–₦68 per kWh to ₦225 per kWh, while Band B rates rose slightly to ₦67.
Although the Federal Government had projected generation to hit 6,000MW by the end of 2024, current output still fluctuates between 4,000MW and 5,000MW.
Lagos: Stable Power, But Tariffs Bite
Residents in Agege, Ikorodu, Ikeja, Victoria Island, and Kosofe reported more stable electricity in recent months. However, many complained about the cost. A trader in Agege said, “The light is stable but the bills are too high.” Another resident, Akeem Adeyemi, disclosed that he asked to be disconnected after being classified under maximum demand consumers, lamenting bills of over ₦150,000 in a single month.
Bayelsa: Boost After Tower Repairs
In Yenagoa, supply reportedly improved after the state government repaired vandalised transmission towers. Residents credited the intervention for the stability, while expressing optimism about the state-owned gas turbines nearing completion.
Delta: Longer Hours, Less Generator Use
Warri and Effurun residents said supply had become more reliable, with some enjoying up to eight hours of continuous power. Business owners noted reduced spending on fuel.
Ogun: Mixed Experiences, Debt Burden
In Ogun, some communities such as Ijebu-Ode and Abeokuta North confirmed improved supply, while others, including parts of Abeokuta and Sagamu, complained of long outages. The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) acknowledged challenges, blaming vandalism, energy theft, and consumer debt of over ₦127bn.
Akwa Ibom: Relative Supply Differences
Officials of Ibom Power described the supply situation as “relative,” as service varied across bands. While some areas enjoyed steady power, others continued to struggle due to the instability of the Aba-Itu transmission line.
Osun: Band A Customers Benefit
In Osogbo, Band A customers enjoyed close to 18 hours of supply daily, but residents in Band C areas complained of less than seven hours, with some communities demanding urgent intervention.
Abuja: Declining Supply Amid Higher Tariffs
In the FCT, residents reported worsening electricity compared to last year, with many areas getting less than 10 hours daily despite tariff increases. Outages caused by vandalism, maintenance work, and grid collapses have further worsened the situation. Traders and households complained about the economic impact, including higher costs of preserving food.
Yobe: Erratic Supply and Rising Costs
Consumers in Yobe said supply remained unstable despite faster response times from DisCos. Many communities still rely heavily on solar power due to long outages, while others decried rising tariffs and poor service.
Ondo South: Prolonged Blackout
Communities in six local governments of Ondo South have reportedly been without electricity for years. Residents said the blackout had crippled businesses. The Ondo State Government recently announced plans to take over distribution from BEDC and inaugurated the Ode Erinje Substation to address the crisis.
Ekiti: Mixed Reviews
Residents in parts of Ado Ekiti and other towns expressed divided opinions. While some said power had become predictable, others insisted there was no real change. The state government said improved metering had helped stabilise supply and boost allocation.
Sokoto: Epileptic Power Supply
From Sokoto metropolis to rural communities, residents complained of supply lasting less than six hours daily. Business owners said generator costs were eroding profits, while students lamented the impact on academics. Kaduna Electric admitted to challenges linked to load shedding and technical faults but promised gradual improvement.
Expert Opinion
Energy analyst Azeez Wasiu attributed the relative improvement in grid stability to the widespread use of prepaid meters, noting it reduced estimated billing. He argued that while tariffs had risen sharply, prepaid meters allowed households to control consumption.
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