The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has defended the recent increase in electricity tariffs, asserting that Nigeria’s energy costs remain more affordable than those of several neighboring African countries.
TCN Managing Director, Sule Abdulaziz, made this statement during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program.
He explained that the higher tariffs are necessary due to the expensive nature of power production in Nigeria, citing factors like the exchange rate and the cost of generating electricity.
Despite the increase, Abdulaziz emphasized that Nigeria’s electricity prices remain lower compared to other African nations such as Niger, Burkina Faso, and Senegal.
“Electricity is now expensive in Nigeria, we are feeling it is expensive because we are getting it at a cheaper price. If you go to other African countries… still, now, Nigeria is cheaper,” he stated.
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He also claimed that some Nigerians, particularly those in the Band A category, now enjoy nearly round-the-clock electricity.
“Nigerians are getting 24 hours supply (daily), it’s not everybody but those people on Band A, they get 20 to 22 hours,” he said.
Abdulaziz assured the public that Nigeria could achieve stable power supply within the next five years, pointing to improvements in electricity supply over the past year.
The tariff hike, which took effect on April 3, 2024, saw the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) raise electricity costs for customers receiving at least 20 hours of power daily, classified under Band A.
This increase pushed the tariff from N66 to N225 per kilowatt-hour, a move that has drawn widespread criticism due to its timing and impact on Nigerians already struggling with economic hardships following the removal of the petrol subsidy.
