By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Nigerian coalition protests electricity tariff increase, calls for end to privatisation.
A coalition advocating for affordable and regular electricity in Nigeria has strongly opposed the recent hike in electricity tariffs announced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). The Coalition for Affordable and Regular Electricity (CARE), led by its national coordinator, Comrade Chinedu Bosah, has demanded the immediate reversal of the tariff increase and urged the government to end the privatization of the power sector.
The coalition highlighted the failure of the privatization program, citing instances such as the frequent grid collapses and the substantial increase in tariffs over the years. They pointed out that despite the promises of improved efficiency and service delivery, the reality has been quite the opposite. For instance, in 2023 alone, there were three grid collapses within five days, with the national grid plummeting from 4,000MW to 43MW on December 12, 2023.
According to CARE, the privatization of the power sector has not lived up to expectations, with only a fraction of the installed capacity being utilized for generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. Moreover, millions of Nigerians, especially those in rural areas, still lack access to electricity. The coalition argued that the privatization agenda primarily served the interests of a privileged few, while the majority of Nigerians continue to suffer from exorbitant tariffs and inadequate service.
In light of these failures, CARE called for the re-nationalization of the power sector, advocating for public ownership and democratic control by the working masses. They emphasized the need for massive public investment to drive down the cost of electricity and ensure affordability for most Nigerian consumers, with subsidies provided for the poorest households.
In conclusion, the coalition’s stance reflects growing discontent with the current state of the power sector in Nigeria and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address the systemic issues plaguing the industry.
Privatization, Electricity Tariffs