The 45 percent electricity rate increase has sparked outrage across Nigeria. Many are disgruntled and are lamenting the fact that they now have to pay more for a service that is not up to standard, as power supply has been poor and many have had to resort to electricity generators at home and work for power. Nigeria’s economy has been in a downward spiral ever since oil prices crashed on world markets. Nigeria has had to seek other ways to generate revenue and as such has turned to the domestic power sector.
Scores of people, workers and members of civil society groups included picketed outside the premises of the Ikeja Electricity distribution company. Ikeja, is one of the largest power companies in Nigeria. The crowd were demanding an explanation for the decision to increase electricity tariff at this material time when wages are extremely low to cope with the increasing rising cost of living. Ismail Bello of the Nigeria Labor Congress, said that cost of transport is on the rise, many workers are unable to pay their children school fees, housing cost is rising, food cost is rising and yet government is determined to increase electricity bill.
 

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