Governments at all levels have been urged to urgently implement policies that guarantee regular power supply and ease the crushing economic burdens on Nigerians amid persistent tariff hikes and unreliable electricity.
Public Affairs Analyst Mr Andrew Ajayi condemned the frequent increases in electricity tariffs and petroleum product prices, warning that such economic uncertainties severely undermine citizens’ socio-economic wellbeing.
Ajayi, speaking to our correspondent, lamented how periodic hikes deepen hardship for ordinary Nigerians already grappling with rising living costs.
In his contribution, Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers State Council, Dr Ozonmate Okehi, advised Nigerians to adopt efficient power usage practices to maximise benefits from available supply despite high costs.
Dr Okehi emphasised that relocating employment-generating industries from urban centres to rural areas, coupled with stable electricity in those regions, could significantly curb rural-urban migration.
He identified the privatisation of electricity generation and distribution as a core problem hindering consistent power supply nationwide.
“Despite privatisation, the capital requirements of the power sector remain largely unaddressed,” Dr Okehi stated, stressing the need for decisive action to deliver reliable electricity to Nigerians.
The NLC leader called for accelerated metering of all households to end the exploitative estimated billing system.
He advised consumers wrongly billed by electricity distribution companies to formally petition relevant agencies for review and reconciliation of their accounts.
“Bill reconciliation remains a key tool for consumers to ensure they receive value for money paid,” he added.
The appeals come against ongoing national debates over electricity reforms, including subsidy adjustments and metering improvements aimed at achieving more sustainable power delivery.
