73.3% of Nigerians have rejected the recent Federal Government’s electricity tariff hike, as well as its fuel subsidy removal, according to a recent poll.
A recent poll by ‘BusinessDay’s April 2025 TalkExchange’ has revealed that most Nigerians are against the recent increase in electricity tariffs for high-usage consumers and the reduction of Government subsidies on electricity. The electricity tariff hike, with a 300% increase for Band-A customers, has sparked concern, as power remains unreliable.
The data reflects growing concerns over affordability, fairness, and the effectiveness of these reforms. Despite subsidy removal to cut costs, businesses and households still rely on costly alternatives. Critics argue the impoverishment policy worsens economic hardship without improving supply, urging the Federal Government to reconsider its approach.
According to the poll, 73.3% of respondents said they do not support the recent tariff hike or the reduction in subsidies. Only 24.4% expressed support, while 2.2% were unsure.
The impact on households and businesses is evident. When asked whether the new tariff has made electricity more difficult to afford, 60% said it had become “much more difficult”, while 28.9% said it was “somewhat more difficult”. Only 8.9% reported no change, and a mere 2.2% said electricity had become easier to afford.
Concerns about Nigeria’s long-term economic future were also addressed. While 33.3% agreed that reducing subsidies and increasing tariffs is necessary for economic stability, a larger share- 57.8% – disagreed. Another 8.9% were undecided.
In response to how the reforms have affected their daily lives, many Nigerians shared their experiences and offered suggestions.
According to one respondent: “The electricity available has not improved but has become more costly. I can’t use all my appliances, and the cost of doing business has gone up. Alternatives like solar have also become more expensive, making life unbearable in the heat”.
Another commented: “The recent electricity tariff is both discriminatory and exploitative to the consumers. The Federal and State Governments have failed in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity”.
Others highlighted systemic issues. “The electricity tariff hike is not the solution to the DisCos’ problem. They are grossly understaffed. Their staff help people bypass meters. They do not support local computer makers. The regulatory body is corrupt”, one respondent shared.
Another respondent added, “The Government should assist the Discos; or better still, take it over. The rate of abnormality is unusual”.
Some respondents expressed mixed views, acknowledging the potential for reform but criticising the process, while few others focused on the wider economic context.
“Subsidising electricity will be fairer and impact more citizens. It will spur productivity and increase Government revenue”, one respondent said. “I feel like I spend more on my prepaid meter than on feeding”, another person noted.
