Residents of Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states have raised concerns over the sharp increase in electricity and telecom tariffs, urging the government and service providers to take immediate action. With rising costs and poor service delivery, citizens say the burden has become unbearable.
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Residents Express Frustration Over Tariff Hikes
The recent tariff adjustments have significantly impacted households, businesses, and students across the region. Many are now struggling to afford basic services like electricity, mobile data, and call credit, despite paying higher rates.
- Malam Isma’ila Umar, a civil servant in Sokoto, described the electricity tariff hike as a “punishment” for middle-income earners. He stressed that the rising cost of living is making it difficult to meet daily needs.
- Sanusi Sarki, a community activist, lamented the increase in data costs, stating that his monthly data expenses have jumped from N6,000 to N28,000, yet service quality remains poor.
- Journalist Suleiman Nasir highlighted the poor network coverage in Sokoto, revealing that his usual N3,000 data plan now costs N9,000 but remains unreliable. He also noted that many areas in Sokoto, such as Dambua, Offa Road, and Old Airport Road, experience less than 12 hours of electricity daily, forcing residents to rely on generators.
Calls for Government Intervention
Residents are demanding urgent action from regulatory bodies, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), to:
- Reduce electricity and telecom tariffs to ease financial pressure.
- Improve service delivery in both sectors to justify the high costs.
- Provide prepaid meters to ensure fair electricity billing.
- Engage stakeholders before implementing further price increases.
Government & Experts React
Alhaji Sanusi Ibrahim, Commissioner for Energy and Petroleum Resources, urged KEDCO to enhance power supply, arguing that residents should not pay for darkness. He also advised NERC and electricity providers to involve the public before making further adjustments.
In Zamfara, vendor Sufuyanu Dahiru called for a review of the tariff structure and better telecom services. He emphasized that current charges do not reflect the quality of service delivered.
Similarly, Garba Dalhatu, a Mass Communication student in Kebbi, described the rising cost of living as overwhelming, especially for students struggling to pay tuition, buy food, and afford essential services.
Economic Impact of High Tariffs
Many business owners in Kebbi and Sokoto have voiced concerns that rising telecom and electricity costs are negatively affecting:
- The cashless policy, as unreliable network services hinder online transactions.
- Small businesses, which rely on mobile data for marketing and communication.
- Households, which now spend more on electricity and fuel to power generators.
Businessman Ibrahim Ahmad in Argungu noted that the combination of erratic power supply, high electricity tariffs, and soaring fuel prices is forcing many businesses to shut down.
Final Thoughts
The increasing electricity and telecom costs have left Nigerians frustrated, with many struggling to afford basic services. As the cost of living continues to rise, stakeholders must act quickly to review tariffs, improve service delivery, and protect consumers from excessive charges.
Do you think the government should regulate electricity and telecom tariffs? Share your thoughts!
