"Joe Igbokwe, an APC leader, expresses frustration over electricity tariffs by announcing energy-saving measures, such as turning off air conditioners, refrigerators, and lights, to manage costs."
In a recent public statement, Joe Igbokwe, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed his frustration over the high electricity tariffs in Nigeria. The soaring cost of electricity has forced many citizens to reduce their consumption, switching off appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, and lights to avoid excessive bills.
Igbokwe's concern comes amidst a nationwide backlash following a 300% increase in electricity tariffs for Band A customers, approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in April 2024. This revision raised the cost of power supply for urban consumers from ₦68 to ₦225 ($0.15) per kilowatt-hour.
Households under Band A, including Igbokwe himself, have resorted to rationing their electricity use due to the high tariff. Consumers have repeatedly called on the federal government to suspend or reverse the new pricing structure due to its unsustainable impact on household finances.
Igbokwe suggested moving customers from Band A to Band B as a practical solution to improve revenue through increased consumption. However, as of press time, this suggestion has not been implemented or publicly addressed by the government or NERC.
The APC chieftain believes that Distribution Companies may not be making the expected money due to consumers switching off appliances. He also expressed growing discontent among even loyalists of the administration regarding the electricity policy.
Despite his vocal stance, the current status regarding any call for revision or dialogue with NERC and the presidency is not detailed in the available information. As of now, the presidency and NERC have yet to respond to Igbokwe's concerns.
Igbokwe's comment underscores the growing dissatisfaction with the electricity policy in Nigeria. Consumers across the country have expressed outrage over the electricity tariff hike, with many calling for a review of the policy to make it more affordable for the average Nigerian.
This issue is a significant concern for Igbokwe, who served as a Lagos State Government aide in the past. He has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revisit the Band A electricity policy due to its potential to push many urban dwellers into energy poverty.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the government will take action to address the concerns raised by Igbokwe and the Nigerian public.
- Igbokwe, a member of the APC, has expressed his frustration over the high electricity tariffs in Nigeria, particularly for Band A customers.
- The electricity tariff hike, approved by NERC, has led to many citizens reducing their electricity consumption.
- Igbokwe suggested moving customers from Band A to Band B as a solution to improve revenue, but this hasn't been implemented yet.
- There is growing discontent among APC loyalists, including Igbokwe, regarding the electricity policy and its impact on household finances.
- Igbokwe believes that the Distribution Companies may not be making the expected money due to consumers switching off appliances.
- The current presidency, led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has yet to respond to Igbokwe's concerns about the Band A electricity policy.
- Consumers across Nigeria have expressed outrage over the electricity tariff hike, calling for a review of the policy to make it more affordable for the average Nigerian.
