VOX-POP: Electricity Tariff Hike Will Further Plunge Us To Hardship – Osun Residents, Artisans

The recent hike in electricity tariffs has continued to receive knocks from Nigerians who are already grappling with the effect of fuel subsidy removal. Nigerians are also doubting the sincerity of the Federal Government and the capability of the stakeholders in the power sector to improve on the worsening electricity situation with the over 300% increase. OSUN DEFENDER sought the opinion of artisans, traders, and residents of Osun State on the development and its effect on their businesses.

The Govt Should Not Suffocate Us – Tajudeen Lukman, A Welder

IT is a sad one for us as artisans. We have not been enjoying a considerable power supply for a while. Instead of improving the electricity situation of the country, the government increases the electricity tariff, asking us to pay more to buy power. We are helpless! It is practically difficult for me to work in this situation. How much am I even making that will guarantee me using a generator? Things are just getting worse and it is sad that the government wants us to pay for what we don’t use. I am urging the government not to suffocate us. May God help our country.

Govt Insensitive To Our Plight – Jelili Oyebamiji, Aluminium Fabricator

WHAT the present administration has done so far is below expectations particularly in current economic situation. At a time when Nigerians are yet to fully recover from the fuel subsidy removal, the government is bringing its insensitivity again to the plight of the people. It is undeniable that we are in hard times. The new hike will in doubt negatively affect us. The government should help us provide stable electricity. If the electricity is stable and expensive, we will pay for it.

We Are In A Helpless Situation – Bimbo Oladapo, Trader

WE elected the President because we believed firmly that someone from our region with his pedigree will change things for the better. There is no stable power supply, yet we are asked to pay more. Apart from the attendant effect on the health condition of the people, especially with the heatwave, the unstable power supply has also affected the income level of some of us. We are in a helpless situation. I can’t refrigerate my drinks and other vital commodities people buy to quench their thirst in this harsh weather for required hours because of the high cost of electricity. The hike will further plunge us into misery. It is grossly unnecessary.

The Increment Is Unfair – Ademidun Bamidele, Trader

IT is really funny. We do not enjoy stable electricity and still, the government is increasing the tariff. They are now telling us about Band A, Band B and all. The people in the so-called Band A are going to enjoy electricity and pay more at the expense of others. So, if I am a fashion designer working in a residential area that is under Band C or Band E that enjoys less than four hours of power supply daily, I should not do my business anymore? Or do I have the resources as a small-scale business owner to buy or rent a shop in the commercial areas enjoying 20 to 24 hours electricity per day? It is just unfair on us artisans and traders. May God save us.

The Cost Is Too Much To Bear – Akintunde Odunlade, Welder

THE epileptic power supply situation is a major problem and a source of concern to us and the growth of our local economy. Some of us do not have any means of livelihood than to work with electricity. The situation is just affecting us. Our business is no more lucrative because the cost of diesel continues to skyrocket day-in, day-out. The government should please find a solution. The cost is too much to bear. They should look for ways to better our lives and not to impoverish us.