Despite a 107% increase in electricity billing, Nigeria’s power distribution companies recorded a N202bn shortfall in Q1 2025, collecting just 73% of what was billed. The inefficiencies, especially in northern zones, continue to draw criticism as consumers grapple with poor service and rising tariffs without corresponding improvements.
- DisCos billed ₦761.91bn in Q1 2025, collected only ₦559.3bn.
- Revenue shortfall worsened year-on-year from ₦77bn to ₦202bn.
- Ikeja Electric billed the highest, but still lost ₦28.7bn to non-payment.
- Northern DisCos like Jos, Yola, and Kaduna posted the highest collection losses.
- NERC, consumers, and the Minister of Power slam the lack of investment, metering.
The irony isn’t lost on Nigerians: bills are rising, but the lights stay out. While DisCos blame poor collections, critics argue the real issue is poor service and no infrastructure upgrades. Without transparency and investment, higher tariffs may only deepen distrust, especially among unmetered consumers already feeling cheated.
The power sector’s sustainability hinges on trust, something eroded by billing hikes without improved supply. With calls growing for metering and regulatory enforcement, will the government finally walk the talk or keep lighting up the bills while Nigerians sit in the dark?
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