Nigerians Devise Ingenious Ways to Survive

The rising cost of electricity in Nigeria has forced citizens to adopt creative and resourceful strategies to reduce their energy consumption and manage mounting bills. As utility companies introduce higher tariffs, many households and businesses are finding innovative ways to conserve power and avoid financial strain.

Navigating the Tariff Divide

Electricity tariffs in Nigeria are now categorized into bands, with Band A customers – those receiving a minimum of 20 hours of power daily – paying as much as ₦209 per unit. This structure has sparked outrage, particularly among residents in Band A, who feel burdened by the steep costs. In some cases, communities have protested against being moved to higher tariff bands, arguing that the financial burden outweighs the benefits of increased power supply.

In Mushin, Lagos, residents of Ilasamaja recently staged a protest to oppose their reclassification from Band B to Band A. This reflects a growing sentiment among Nigerians: access to electricity is becoming more of a financial challenge than a convenience.

Businesses Adapt with Energy-Saving Innovations

Faced with soaring electricity costs, many Nigerian businesses are turning to technology to minimize their energy expenses. For example, Segun Adejumo, who runs a polythene manufacturing company, has equipped his machines with inverters to reduce power consumption. “Since adding inverters to some machines, we’ve seen a marginal decrease in our electricity bills. It’s not a lot, but every little bit helps,” he said.

Other business owners are investing in energy-efficient equipment and exploring alternative power sources to ease their reliance on the national grid.

Creative Solutions in Shared Living Spaces

In residential areas, shared meters often pose challenges for tenants trying to control electricity costs. To address this, some communities have adopted unique solutions. For instance, residents in Ipaja, Lagos, use meter readers to monitor individual consumption. Tenants prepay for electricity based on their budgets, and once their allocation is used up, their connection is temporarily cut off using circuit breakers.

“This system helps us avoid waste and ensures each person only consumes what they can afford,” explained Erasmus Ogu, a resident.

Turning Off to Save More

In communities where Band A tariffs apply, many households have developed strict schedules for using electricity. Yemisi Onipede, a resident of Ota in Ogun State, described how her neighbourhood has adapted: “We only turn on the meter for a few hours each day, usually in the morning and evening. This helps us manage our bills and still enjoy some power.”

These schedules are especially effective during cooler months when appliances like fans are not needed, allowing residents to limit their energy use further.

Collaborative Consumption

Another innovative practice involves collaboration between households in different tariff bands. Those on lower-cost plans sometimes share appliances like freezers with neighbors paying higher tariffs.

Abibat Azeez, a resident of Alagbado, Lagos, relocated her freezer to her sister’s home in a lower tariff band. “Whenever I need to store something, I take it to my sister’s house,” she said.

Similarly, others have opted to stop using high-energy appliances like pressing irons altogether, choosing instead to rely on shared resources or alternative methods.

A Nation of Resilience

These strategies showcase the resilience and ingenuity of Nigerians as they navigate the challenges of rising energy costs. Despite the hurdles, citizens are finding ways to adapt, demonstrating a collective determination to thrive in tough circumstances. As calls for a more transparent review of the electricity tariff structure grow louder, Nigerians continue to innovate and support one another, turning adversity into an opportunity for collaboration and resourcefulness.