Business

JUST IN: Manufacturers Rejects 40% Electricity Tariff Hike on Mere 4000MW

Published

3 years ago

June 23, 2023

395 Views

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has rejected the planned 40 percent hike in electricity tariff, which will become effective from July 1, calling on the government to shelve the increase until electricity generation , transmission and supply improves in the country.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), had said that the current tariff increase is based on the Service Based Tariff, SBT, benchmarked on an exchange rate of N441/$ and inflation of 16.97 per cent.

It argued that since the value of the naira to the dollar now hovers above N700 and current rate of inflation at 22.45 percent, it is necessary to increase tariff to mitigate operators’ cost of operations.
However, MAN, in its reaction, that beyond the present embattling high prices, starting July a 40 percent hike at this time is simply outrageous.
Segun Ajayi-Kadir, the Director-General of MAN, said that the expectation of the manufacturers is that the Federal Government and the NERC will ensure improvement in electricity generation, transmission and distribution that will lead to adequate and reliable electricity supply in the country, rather than increasing the tariff on the mere 4000MW to meet all revenue needs of stakeholders in the electricity supply industry.

” Government should ensure that at least 90 percent of electricity consumers are metered to ensure consumption reflective electricity bill payment, formulate electricity policies that will aid investment in energy industry to increase generation capacities that will usher in large scale production of electricity and ensure effective implementation of the recent Electricity Act (2023) that is aimed at increasing the electricity supply in the country,” he said.

The Association urges NERC to
▪︎ Eradicate outrageous bills by closing the metering gap through the liberalization of ultimate users’ access to effective mass metering;

▪︎Ensure the connection of all consumers to the electricity grid to avoid free riding and unfair charges on the few connected consumers;

▪︎ Work on efforts to increase the electricity supply base in order to distribute the total cost among a high number of consumers at a much lower unit cost;
▪︎ States and private investors should rise up to the challenge by taking advantage of the Electricity Act 2023 to eradicate the energy poverty of their people.

Likely Effects of Tariff Hike On Manufacturing industries
As a matter of fact, a further rise in electricity tariff could lead to the following:

i. Costs of production will soar: Higher electricity tariff will directly increase the cost of production for manufacturers. Already, we have energy constituting between 28-40% in the cost structure of manufacturing industries.
You can imagine the impact on manufacturing industries that are energy-intensive such as metal processing, heavy machinery, and chemicals manufacturing.

ii. Profit margins will reduce: A spike in the electricity tariff will erode the profit margin of the manufacturers and reduce their ability to expand operations and create new jobs

iii. High probability of activities paralysis: This is a definite possibility among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who are unable to accommodate the higher price.

iv. Potential decrease in the revenue collectable by government: The hike in electricity tariff will reduce the manufacturers’ profitability and by extension the quantum of taxes and fees payable to the three tiers of Government. Manufacturers remain the largest income taxpayer in the country. Therefore, in the event of poor income generation due to high costs of production, the government purse will suffer.

v. Manufacturers will ultimately pass on the additional cost to the consumers of their products: This will increase the cost of local made products in the market and complicate the rising inflation rate in the country.

vi. Recession of manufacturing activities: An increase in electricity tariff will reduce the purchasing capability. One of the resulting effects is the fall in demand and recession of manufacturing activities over time.

vii. The sector’s competitiveness will definitely worsen: The high cost of the products will make locally produced items less competitive, when compared with imported alternatives.
This is also true of exports, as Nigeria products may find it more difficult to penetrate foreign markets. Such a move will restrict our exports earnings because it will be impossible to compete with counterparts in the global trading environment.

viii. High probability of outward investment. Some manufacturing industries may consider shifting production to other economies with lower electricity tariffs and guaranteed availability.

Related Topics:Electricity Tariff Hike Manufacturers

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Obi Meets UK Business Leaders, Advocates Stronger Support for MSMEs

Published

10 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Charles Flames

40 Views

Presidential hopeful of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has reiterated the critical role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in driving Nigeria’s economic growth and reducing unemployment.

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According to Obi, discussions with Lord Marland focused on prospective trade opportunities, economic advancement, and strategies for promoting small businesses across Nigeria.

Drawing comparisons with rapidly developing economies such as China, Indonesia, and Vietnam, Obi stressed that sustainable economic growth and job creation can only be achieved through deliberate support for MSMEs.

The former Anambra State governor maintained that small businesses remain the backbone of the economy and called for stronger policies aimed at boosting development and creating employment opportunities, particularly in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

Business

What President Tinubu Tells World Leaders At Nairobi’s Summit

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Published

10 hours ago

May 13, 2026

OCHEFA

43 Views

President Bola Tinubu has called for a major shift in Africa’s economic structure, insisting that the continent must stop exporting raw materials and start building industries capable of competing globally.

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The President said Africa’s continued dependence on exporting crude oil, minerals and agricultural commodities while importing finished products was damaging local industries and slowing economic growth.

“We export raw minerals, crude oil and agricultural commodities, and we import processed goods at a premium.

This pattern is not an accident. It is the product of a global financial architecture that starves our industries of affordable capital,” Tinubu said.

He argued that African countries still face unfair borrowing conditions despite implementing difficult economic reforms aimed at stabilising their economies and attracting investment.

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France Mobilises €23bn Private Capital For Investments In Africa

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu participated in the gathering, which observers described as a major diplomatic and economic engagement aimed at deepening Africa-France cooperation.

Published

10 hours ago

May 13, 2026

OCHEFA

40 Views

•Photo: French President Emmanuel Macron attends the Africa Forward Summit 2026 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), in Nairobi, Kenya, May 12, 2026. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi.

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The summit, co-hosted by France and Kenya, has brought together more than 30 African heads of state, global investors, financial institutions and development partners to discuss issues ranging from climate financing and energy transition to digital transformation and industrial growth.

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu participated in the gathering, which observers described as a major diplomatic and economic engagement aimed at deepening Africa-France cooperation.

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