Business
Artisans Decry Electricity Tariff Hike
Some artisans in Lagos have decried the recent increase in electricity tariff, saying that it negated the Federal Government’s policy on inclusive growth and self-employment.
They told newsmen in separate interviews in Lagos that the new electricity tariff was a setback to small scale entrepreneurship and individual wealth creation.
Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on December 23 said that starting from January 1, individuals and organisations that use electricity for commercial purposes would pay more.
The chairman of NERC, Dr Sam Amadi, said the increase was as a result of recent rise in the price of gas and other technical losses incurred by the power generation and distribution firms.
Mr Joseph Morindoti, a barber in Ilasamaja, said that it was wrong for NERC to increase tariff now that power was not stable.
Morindoti said that he spent N2, 000 daily to run his generator for alternative power supply and urged electricity companies to improve supply before introducing a new tariff.
“Barbing business depends more on electricity. Presently, due to poor power supply, l rely mainly on a generator to survive in this area.
“If we have stable power supply, we will not have problem paying any tariff since we will make more money to pay for utility services,” he said.
The market leader of Ajeromi Frozen Food Market Association in Ijora-Olopa, a suburb of Lagos,
Alhaja Afusat Popoola, said the increment was unacceptable, judging from the poor electricity supply nationwide.
According to Popoola, there is no justification for the increment in the face of dwindling sales and erratic power supply.
“We cannot afford to pay this new tariff because we do not have power supply here in the market.
“Most of the time we are losing a lot of money from rotten foods due to erratic power supply,” Popoola said.
She said it was illogical for the Federal Government to allow new investors to focus on returns from investments without a moratorium for electricity supply to stabilise.
A fashion designer at Mushin, Mr. John Okere urged the government to resolve all the challenges facing the sector before increasing the tariff.
“There are lots of challenges facing the sector– ranging from lack of gas supply to infrastructure dilapidation.
“Most of the transformers are faulty in our area and needed to be upgraded.
“When they have done all these, then we know that we have to accept the hike in tariff,” he said.
The Managing Director, Blue-Cool Refrigerator Ltd., in Aguda, Mr Tunde Akinfenwa, advised NERC to ensure that all consumers were given prepaid meters.
Akinfenwa said that consumers would welcome any increase in tariff if they were on prepaid meters, adding that they would pay as they use the power supply.
“A situation where tariff is increased at a time when the billing system is still faulty, not transparent and not credible, is unfair and unjustifiable,” she said.
A food seller at Ojuelegba, Mrs Jelilat Asake, appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
