The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) managing director, Sule Abdulaziz, claims that the cost of energy in Nigeria is lower than in neigbouring countries, despite the recent hike in electricity tariffs.

He made this remark during an interview on Channels Television on Sunday, October 20, 2024.

Abdulaziz pointed out that the costs increased due to the rise in power production as a result of the exchange rate and cost of generating electricity.

The TCN director mentioned that other African nations, such as Niger, Burkina Faso, and Senegal, have higher electricity costs than Nigeria.

"Electricity is now expensive in Nigeria; we are feeling it is expensive because we are getting it at a cheaper price. If you go to other African countries... still, now, Nigeria is cheaper," Abdulaziz said.

According to him, some Nigerians, particularly those in the Band A category, now enjoy nearly round-the-clock electricity. “Nigerians are getting 24 hours supply (daily); it’s not everybody but those people on Band A get 20 to 22 hours,” he stated.

Abdulaziz said he is optimistic that in the next five years, Nigeria could achieve stable power supply. “If you ask Nigerians, all of them know that there is improvement in power and this improvement is going to continue,” he noted.

On April 3, 2024, the government increased the electricity tariff for customers receiving at least 20 hours of power daily, classified under Band A.

The cost increased from N66 to N225 per kilowatt-hour. This hike sparked an uproar among customers who lamented the timing amid the economic hardship in the country.

Below are some reactions

@The_Olaitan: Always comparing their prices with those of other countries while providing substandard services, with no interest in improving quality or even comparing service quality with other countries.

@kenna_ama: When it comes to inflicting pain on Nigerians, this official brings up the foreign cost comparison but neglects the governmental incentives, subsidies that ease the cost of living and access to amenities (that are free or about after-tax)

@supab1902: Spare me, these countries money are stronger than naira

@ShowToheeb: I don't know the major reason for these comparisons. We can't enjoy what we have.

@Sanchiox: Why is he not living in other African countries?

@Gulee32: Don't compare Nigeria with order countries because they're ahead of us in terms of electricity.

@9jaTownhall: I literally hate these comparisons. Are the countries mentioned running the same economy?