Residents and businesses in Nigeria’s South-South region are grappling with the devastating effects of persistent power outages and exorbitant electricity tariffs, which are crippling livelihoods and forcing many small enterprises to shut down. A survey conducted across Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River states revealed widespread frustration over unreliable electricity supply. Many residents reported months-long blackouts, while businesses struggle to stay afloat due to high costs of alternative energy sources like generators. Jeremiah Ukpong, a laundry operator in Obio Etoi, Akwa Ibom, spends up to ₦5,000 daily on generator fuel to keep his business running. Despite this, he continues to receive inflated electricity bills from the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED). Similarly, Theresa Donatus from Uyo lamented paying ₦20,000 monthly for electricity despite receiving less than four hours of power daily. In Rivers State, residents in communities like Elioparanwo and Rumunduru face similar challenges. Chinazor Daniel-Chukwu reported receiving a ₦52,000 bill after enduring 19 days without power. Others, like retired public servant Fyneface Diri, have resorted to costly solar panels after months of blackouts. The erratic power supply is taking a toll on small businesses. Food vendors struggle to preserve meals, mechanics face high operational costs, and families endure sleepless nights due to heat and mosquitoes. “Small businesses are closing down because they can’t sustain operations with these high bills and unreliable power,” said Aniefiok Udonquak, a landlord in Akwa Ibom. Consumers are urging PHED to address issues like estimated billing by providing prepaid meters. Meanwhile, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) criticized frequent tariff hikes as a barrier to economic growth. Despite promises of reform since the privatization of the power sector in 2013, Nigerians continue to endure one of the world’s most unreliable electricity systems. For now, residents and businesses in the South-South region await tangible improvements as they navigate an energy crisis that shows no signs of abating.

Telecom users in Southeast Nigeria are frustrated as network services remain poor despite a 50% tariff increase approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Subscribers in Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu States criticize the hike, calling it an unjust burden on already strained finances. The tariff hike, which affects calls, SMS, and data bundles nationwide, has sparked widespread discontent. Telecom operators argue the increase is necessary to sustain operations, but subscribers see no corresponding improvement in service quality. Chief Dominic Ibe, a businessman in Ebonyi State, described the policy as “anti-people,” highlighting that many Nigerians are grappling with rising costs of fuel and electricity. Human rights activist Bede Onyia added that poor connectivity and frequent call drops have worsened since the price adjustment. In Enugu State, former telecom manager Collins Otegbulu noted that many Nigerians now rely on phone calls instead of travel to save costs but face difficulties due to high tariffs and deteriorating service. “Operators focus more on hiking prices than improving delivery,” he said. Some subscribers are turning to alternatives like WhatsApp calls or switching networks for cheaper plans. Online vendor Favour Okereke shared that she now spends more on data than call credit, while civil servant Janet Odo emphasized that WhatsApp calls are often more reliable than traditional networks. Despite assurances from telecom providers of eventual improvements, frustration persists among users who feel they are not getting value for their money. Many are calling for government intervention to ensure better services accompany higher costs.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N151.9 billion (approximately $100 million) for the deployment of electric buses, tricycles, and charging infrastructure across Nigeria’s North-East region. The initiative, funded by the North East Development Commission (NEDC), aims to curb carbon emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and modernize public transit in the region. The approval, announced by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, follows an October 2024 presidential directive to prioritize electric mobility. Under the plan, 10 electric buses, 10,000 electric tricycles, and 237 electric cars will be supplied to the region, alongside critical charging infrastructure. Bluecrest Integrated Concept Limited secured a N2.9 billion contract to deliver 10 electric 17-seater buses within six months. For tricycles, three firms won bids: Mutual Commitment Company Ltd will supply 4,000 units for N49.6 billion, Shanghai Integrated Infrastructure Development will provide 3,000 units for N37.2 billion, and Sinoma Investment International Ltd will deliver another 3,000. Each nine-passenger e-tricycle includes space for a driver, targeting last-mile connectivity in urban and rural areas. Electric cars are also part of the rollout, with HNCEGC contracted to supply 237 BYD models for N16.3 billion. Charging stations, essential for sustaining the fleet, will be established by KB Laman Motors Nigeria Ltd under an N8.4 billion agreement. This shows Nigeria’s commitment to its climate action plans, including the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan and the Electric Vehicle Policy. President Tinubu, who inspected prototype vehicles and charging systems earlier this year, emphasized the project’s role in reducing fossil fuel dependency. “This is a critical step toward a cleaner, more efficient future for Nigerian transport,” Onanuga stated. The North-East rollout mirrors efforts in Lagos, where electric buses are already operational in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network. Lagos aims for 52% of its BRT fleet to run on clean energy by 2050, with Oando PLC partnering to deploy 5,000 e-buses. Meanwhile, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) plans to add 50 electric vehicles by late 2025. The NEDC’s success in the North-East could accelerate national adoption, but coordinated efforts with power providers and local governments will be vital. Akinwunmi Adeniyi, a clean energy analyst, noted, “The real test lies in maintaining consistent power for charging stations and ensuring affordability for operators. Without addressing these, scalability becomes difficult.” If successful, the program could position Nigeria as a regional leader in electric mobility, attracting foreign investment and technological partnerships. It also aligns with global trends, as nations increasingly transition to low-emission transport to meet climate targets. The Federal Government’s push signals a broader shift: from Lagos’s urban centers to the North-East’s developing regions, electric vehicles are poised to redefine Nigeria’s transportation landscape,one charge at a time.