Nigeria Has Become Unbearable!” – Joe Igbokwe Slams Electricity Hike, Reveals Family Struggles

All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and former aide to the Lagos State Government, Joe Igbokwe, has voiced his deep concern over the skyrocketing electricity tariffs in Nigeria, particularly under the controversial Band A category introduced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Igbokwe made a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently revisit the policy, warning that the steep hike is pushing urban residents into what he described as “energy poverty.”

Reflecting on his personal experience, Igbokwe said those in Band A, like himself, have been forced to drastically reduce power usage to manage soaring bills. He revealed that many now switch off their air conditioners, refrigerators, and even lights to cut costs.

“I hope PBAT reconsiders the Band A electricity matter,” he wrote. “I doubt the DisCos are earning what they anticipated because consumers are cutting down — we switch off ACs, fridges, and lights. Shift everyone to Band B and you might even generate more revenue.”

Backlash Over 300% Tariff Increase

NERC’s April 2024 decision to raise electricity tariffs for Band A customers by 300% — from ₦68 to ₦225 per kilowatt-hour — drew nationwide criticism. Consumers have complained that the rate hike hasn’t resulted in any noticeable improvement in service delivery.

Many Nigerians have since demanded the reversal or suspension of the pricing structure, arguing it has placed an unsustainable burden on household incomes.

Igbokwe’s comments, coming from within the ruling party, reflect the growing dissatisfaction even among APC loyalists. He proposed that a shift from Band A to Band B for most consumers could lead to better revenue through broader consumption.

As of the time of this report, neither the presidency nor NERC has issued a response to Igbokwe’s remarks.