It is becoming increasingly clear that Nigerians are in an unrelenting season of economic hardship. Just when they struggle to adjust to one price increase, another follows, pushing the cost of living further out of reach. Across multiple sectors, electricity, telecommunications, fuel, transportation, food, and even entertainment, tariff increments are making survival a daily battle for millions.
With inflation at an all-time high, the naira losing value, and incomes unable to keep up, citizens are being forced to make impossible choices: pay for electricity or buy food, renew a data subscription or afford transport to work, keep up with cable TV or simply switch it off altogether.
Electricity: Paying More for Darkness
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) recently approved a 300% tariff increase for Band A consumers—customers expected to receive 20 hours of electricity daily. Under this new structure, electricity costs are expected to jump from around ₦68/kWh to over ₦225/kWh, depending on the area.
While the government claims that the increase is necessary to ensure sustainable energy supply, many Nigerians argue that they are still paying for erratic, unreliable power. Even those classified under Band A often face prolonged outages, leaving them reliant on petrol and diesel-powered generators, which are now an expensive alternative due to rising fuel prices.
And the price hikes are far from over—another tariff increase is looming, which could see electricity prices rise by two-thirds for many consumers. The government justifies this by saying the new rates will reflect the actual cost of supplying electricity, but citizens who barely get power to run their homes are being forced to pay more for less.
Telecommunications: Expensive Calls, Costly Internet
In a time when digital access is more essential than ever, Nigerians are now struggling to stay connected. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a 50% tariff increase for mobile network operators, leading to higher costs for mobile data, voice calls, and SMS services.
But even worse, MTN Nigeria has implemented a tariff hike of up to 200% on some packages, far exceeding the approved increase. This means that customers who used to subscribe to affordable data plans or make calls with relative ease now have to ration their usage or find alternative means of communication.
For businesses that rely on constant internet access, the impact is even greater. Digital entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners who depend on social media, emails, and online transactions are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of connectivity. The internet is no longer just a luxury—it is a necessity—but it is now becoming increasingly out of reach for many Nigerians.
Cable TV: When Entertainment Becomes a Luxury
Nigerians have long seen DStv and GOtv as sources of entertainment and relaxation, a way to unwind from the country’s economic stress. But even that is now slipping away, as MultiChoice has announced yet another price hike, effective March 1, 2025.
The new subscription rates are as follows:
- DStv Premium → ₦44,500
- DStv Compact Plus → ₦30,000
- DStv Compact → ₦19,000
- GOtv Supa Plus → ₦16,800
- GOtv Max → ₦8,500
The justification? High operational costs and currency depreciation. But for the average Nigerian, who is already struggling to afford food, electricity, and transportation, cable TV is now a luxury that many will have to forgo.
Fuel Prices: The Never-Ending Climb
The removal of fuel subsidies has had a devastating impact on the economy. Petrol prices have more than tripled since mid-2023, causing ripple effects across all sectors. The cost of transportation has skyrocketed, making commuting to work or running a business significantly more expensive.
Many Nigerians have resorted to carpooling, walking long distances, or even quitting jobs that require too much travel because they simply cannot afford the daily transport costs. The high fuel prices also mean that businesses relying on generators, due to unstable electricity are struggling to stay operational.
Food Inflation: The Struggle for Daily Survival
Perhaps the most painful reality of this season of price hikes is the cost of food. Basic staples like rice, beans, garri, bread, and vegetables have doubled or tripled in price within months. Families who used to buy a full bag of rice now settle for smaller portions because their incomes can no longer keep up with inflation.
Many Nigerians have cut down on meal portions, skipped meals altogether, or switched to cheaper, less nutritious options just to survive. Even the cost of locally produced foods has skyrocketed, as transportation costs and high production expenses drive prices even higher.
A Bleak Future or a Call for Change?
As Nigerians brace for yet another wave of tariff increments, the big question remains: How much more can people endure? Wages remain stagnant, unemployment is rising, and the cost of living is crushing households and businesses alike.
While the government and private sector argue that these price increases are necessary for sustainability, the burden always falls on the struggling masses, many of whom are earning the same salaries while paying three to four times more for basic needs.
At this rate, what will be left for the average Nigerian? With each passing day, survival becomes more difficult, and the dream of a stable life seems further out of reach. Will relief ever come, or is this the new normal?
