Posted by Ezra Ukanwa, Nnamdi Ojiego, Chimaobi Nwaiwu, Peter Duru, Musa Ubandawaki, Haruna Aliyu, and Dickson Omobola; with assistance from Kennedy Mbele.
Fuel shortages and low electrical supply have hit Nigerians like a ton of bricks, making it difficult for people to go about their everyday lives and fueling their frustration and anger.
The tale was the same across the country in Nigeria, from Lagos to Sokoto, Borno to Enugu, Abuja to Cross River: huge lines at gas stations returned due to a shortage of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, or petrol, and it was a terrifying experience for Nigerians everywhere.
The country’s economy took a hit as a result of the fuel shortage, which grounded commercial and vehicle activities. Commercial drivers were unable to function, leaving commuters and travelers stuck at bus stops and parking lots while lengthy lines of cars formed at gas stations around the country in an attempt to get gas.
The sudden increase in the price of gasoline from its previous price of N600 or so to as much as N900 per litre caused many stations in Lagos to close their doors for business.
In Sokoto, you may pay as much as 1,500 Naira per liter at some gas stations, but you could pay 2,000 to 3,000 Naira at underground markets.
Many drivers and other users were forced to buy from black market vendors selling in jerry cans, according to Vanguard’s findings.
In response to the surge in the price of gasoline, transport companies raised fares by 100%.
If we take Lagos as an example, passengers paid N2,000 to get from Mile 12 to Mile 2, a distance that was previously priced at N1,000. Similarly, from CMS to Mile 2, the fare was N1,000, although it had been around N500 before.
There were also signs that food costs, particularly pepper, may have risen due to the shortage.
The lack of gas affects transportation, but it has also caused food costs, particularly pepper, to spike, as one Lagos resident, Adedeji Abiodun, put it: “It would also interest you to know that….
The increase in the cost of delivering goods has been a source of frustration for vendors in the past week.
The strange week I’ve had owing to gas shortages and power outages has been a nightmare.
And the drivers that did manage to get PMS ended up raising rates. I hated to utilize their vehicles, but I had to go to work, so I hopped on board. My two weeks’ worth of transportation cost was gone in the span of three days.
In my neighborhood, we hardly get four hours of light each day, thus we don’t have much power. These days, fuel is essential for most people’s homes and workplaces.
What really baffles me, though, is that we continue to pay our bills as if we were in band A or B. I am deeply saddened by this.
A former Sokoto State commissioner, who was spotted struggling to fill up his car’s gas tank, placed the responsibility on the state’s petroleum marketers for the mayhem.
In his 74 years on this planet, he had never seen a fuel shortage like this, he declared.
A lot of people think that marketers were trying to make things worse by stockpiling the product, so there was this artificial scarcity and tension in the state.
“The government needs to get out of bed and handle this, even if it means revoking their certificates of occupancy, so the state can be freed from the clutches of a few selfish people.”
No relief
Meanwhile, according to a statement attributed to IPMAN (Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria), help would take some time.
It may take longer than two weeks for the gasoline shortage to return to normal, according to the association’s Monday statement.
According to Chinedu Ukadike, IPMAN’s public relations officer, the product is not sold in the country.
The majority of European refineries are currently undergoing turnaround maintenance, he said, making it more difficult to supply the product.
Program support
You may remember that the price of petroleum products surged from N185 to N600 or close to it per liter when President Bola Tinubu, during his inauguration on May 29, 2023, halted the payment of subsidies on PMS.
According to data released today by Sunday Vanguard, the price of gasoline in the country ranges from N900 to N1,300 per liter.
The country’s socioeconomic development has been hindered by the elimination of the gasoline subsidy.
Out of a total population of nearly 200 million, 133 million live in multi-dimensional poverty in Nigeria, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The country’s poverty index has risen as a result of a conglomeration of factors, including the high cost of living and other economic problems.
The high poverty rates stem from a fundamental problem: an absence of employment options.
Rising prices and high inflation have reduced household incomes and forced more people into poverty in Nigeria.
Power outages
The petrol crisis has, unsurprisingly, made an already bad situation even worse, as the majority of Nigerians are unable to power their homes and businesses due to a lack of fuel for their generators.
Tariffs increased by 3000% after the federal government last month eliminated electricity subsidies for individuals in the Band A category, even though power supply had made no progress.
Because the government could not continue to subsidize electricity and had to find ways to reduce the approximately N2.9tn that would be spent on power subsidies this year, the removal of subsidies had become expedient, according to Musiliu Oseni, Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC.
Nonetheless, experts said that cutting subsidies for the poor while simultaneously increasing taxes was an impossible economic recipe.
Epileptic electricity and the country’s obvious ineptitude in handling the sector for the benefit of citizens as a whole are undeniably issues that have impeded economic development in the country.
Businesses in Nigeria lose an estimated $29 billion per year due to the country’s long history of inadequate power supply, a problem that the World Bank has highlighted.
Tracking SDG 7’s Energy Progress Report 2022 estimates that of the country’s 200 million people, 92 million do not have access to electricity, making it the least electrified country in the world.
On February 4, March 28, and April 15, the national grid went down three separate times this year.
Electricity generation plummeted to 2,775 megawatts (MW), a 32.3% drop from 4,099.87 MW, and this was a major factor in power outages across the nation.
Many Nigerians have been compelled to turn to solar power, a less expensive alternative to traditional electricity, as a result of this development.
Most homes, businesses, and even government buildings are switching to solar electricity instead of using the public grid.
Staff from electricity distribution firms and angry customers around the nation are already at odds over a rate increase that coincides with an epileptic power supply.
Final Demand
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government (FG) on Wednesday, demanding that it reverse the rise in electricity tariff, in an effort to provide Nigerians with some relief.
Union presidents Joe Ajaero and Fetus Osifo voiced their displeasure with Nigeria’s unstable political structure during a joint speech to celebrate Workers’ Day in Abuja in 2024.
“Forcing Nigerians to pay higher tariffs for non-existent electricity” is just wrong, they say.
Angry and
Many gas stations have had to close their doors because there is just not enough gas, according to our reporters who have been following the situation in various areas.
While riders are complaining about the dramatic increase in the price of public transportation, drivers are expressing their dissatisfaction with the service they received.
A couple liters of gas have kept me in line for hours. The fact that fuel shortage is still an issue in this day and age is absurd. Emma Obi, a disgruntled Abuja resident, voiced her opinion that the government should take action regarding this matter.
Usman Garba, another commuter, voiced his dissatisfaction after spending over two hours waiting beneath the Karu bridge for a taxi or bus to the Wuse/Berger district of the FCT, a distance of nearly six kilometers, before finally deciding to walk the trip.
Another commuter, who preferred to be known only as Agnes, was compelled to pay more than her usual transportation fares.
“The money I had with me cannot buy me lunch at work,” she said. Upon reaching the road, the fee for transportation is now doubled. All this adds up to the reality that our current situation is intolerable, since it will once again impact the little funds I have.
The funds intended for the motorcycle were diverted to maintain the main road, according to Mrs. Aisha Mohammed, so she will have to walk the two kilometers to her house instead.
People will have a hard time getting to their places of employment, therefore she pleaded for the problem to be resolved quickly.
Horrific
While waiting in line, a driver named Sunday Adah said the situation was terrible and that the government was uncaring about the suffering of Nigerians.
This administration is evil and hell-bent on causing us misery. I fail to comprehend if they derive pleasure from our misery. More than four hours have passed and I still haven’t gotten fuel,” Adah complained.
If I hadn’t spent so much time here, I know how much money I would have made already. Just like before, I have no idea what the issue is.
They promised gasoline subsidies, but now they’ve cut them and made us pay exorbitant prices for petrol, which we still can’t afford.
Poor to worse
Responding, Ese Onayomake, a football entrepreneur from Abuja, characterized the situation as difficult.
This fuel shortage is not funny; I promise you that. Onayomake informed Vanguard that the lighting situation has been particularly bad, exacerbating the problem.
Because of their unpredictable power supply, the power company has given me a lot of problems. Fresh peppers, tomatoes, fish, meat, and veggies, as well as any other perishable items in my refrigerator, were all ruined. Nighttime temperatures are intolerable.
Transportation costs skyrocketed as a result of the fuel price increase. The N500 I was paying for the trip from Area 1, Garki Abuja to Maitama has now skyrocketed to 1,500 Naira.
Prices in the market are steadily rising. Actually, things are becoming worse in the country daily.
Absence of illumination
In addition to fuel shortages, many also complained about inconsistent and often-lengthy power outages.
People have been unable to work, study, or even do basic home tasks due to lengthy power outages that have affected many sections of the nation, including Abuja and Lagos.
“I was optimistic when I heard about the increase in electricity tariffs, thinking that we would finally have reliable power supply, but nothing has changed,” said Joseph Edozie, a site engineer who lives around Asokoro.
“We still experience frequent power outages and sometimes go for days without electricity,” Abdul Mubarak, a resident of Wuse in Abuja, declared.
It’s annoying to have to shell out extra cash for subpar service. Under the new pricing, we were assured a 20-hour power supply, but that has not materialized.
“These people started this tariff increment without honouring their words,” observed Elizabeth Cosmas, a Kubwa company owner.
“We go for hours without power. Here in Kubwa, we can go up to ten or fifteen hours without seeing the light of day. We will still be charged the higher tariff when our unit expires and we purchase a new one. I really hope the government here is being honest with its people.
Disgusting event
Ipaja, Lagos, restaurant owner Madam Doris Ndukwe has had a terrible time.
I nearly closed my shop at one time because I lost so much money. The beef I purchased for 40,000 Naira was spoiled because the power went down a few days ago.
The N3,000 worth of gasoline only lasted for two hours each day, so I gave up trying to use the generator for all three days. Even worse, when my daughter attempted to use ice cubes to cool our beverages, they melted practically immediately.
We have been in the dark for about three weeks, as you may be aware. So far, our attempts to repair the damaged cable have been unsuccessful.
Hell has been witnessed by us, and I have seen firsthand how light is life. Every night, I take five baths, and my grandson sobs because it’s too hot.
Unproductive
Mr. Usman Yakubu also spoke out against the exorbitant transportation prices.
This is strange.
The fare has increased from 500 to 700 at one location. Before the Tinubu era, this was a popular feast that used to cost 300. A power outage that lasted nearly the entire week just added insult to injury. “There has been no fuel and light for the past week,” Yakubu remarked.
The bugs and scorching heat make it hard for me to sleep at night. According to the proverb, “there was a country,” and thus far, the ordeal has been terrifying.
Similarly, Mr. Abubakar Ibrahim said that the week had been fruitless.
He explained that he had been indulging in more time at home with his family since he had been on leave for a week. Yesterday was the first day we’ve had power since last Monday, which is quite surprising. Simultaneously, it has been challenging to self-generate power due to the difficulty in obtaining gasoline for the residence. This week has been chaotic and fruitless.
“As I am speaking to you now, less than five of the hundred filling stations across Sokoto metropolis are selling fuel to the public,” remarked a commercial motorcycle.
“Before things get worse than they are right now, the government of Sokoto State must intervene on behalf of the residents.”
Companies based
Osakwe Industrial Cluster President Chief Johnson Okolo of Awada, close to Onitsha in Anambra State, says that businesses are failing and people’s lives are getting worse due to fuel shortages and inadequate power.
According to him, these two problems cast Nigeria in a terrible light and affect every part of Nigerians’ life.
When power goes out, businesses and consumers alike have to rethink their plans. Businesses would have a harder time operating and people’s costs of living will rise, according to Okolo.
“Any decent administration would do well to avoid making people’s problems worse by giving serious consideration to these two issues that impact the majority of people.
At my company and throughout the Osakwe Industrial Cluster, you can observe that everything is firmly established. The lack of an electrical source has halted production.
His ordeal was terrible, according to Mr. Ambassador Onoja, Next Generation Youth Initiative Executive Director.
“God, it’s the worst. They slaughtered every single Nigerian this week. Onoja warned that “you will weep for me” if she revealed the extent of her losses during this time.
My job has suffered as a result. Unfortunately, I am without power and gas is out of my price range. What a drag.
My value has been diminished to zero. The government won’t help me, and not even my next-door neighbor can pitch in because he’s in a similar situation.
Because I am unable to accomplish the things that would bring in money, I am unable to even afford to feed my family.
Dr. Victoria Daor, executive director of the Elohim Development Foundation, added: “The past week has been really taxing on my mental health, considering that, before now, the pump price of fuel was quite high, but we were able to cope. Now, we cannot even get it.”
Because there is no light and the weather is so hot in Makurdi, it has made even the most basic tasks like walking about difficult, if not impossible.
“Plus, the generator and your car are both rendered useless due to a lack of fuel, which has been a major mental burden for me and I’m sure many others.”
Solar power saves the day
A “mad” rush for solar power has begun as a result of the government’s failure to address the country’s power crisis and the resulting high electricity prices.
Power users have expressed their frustration with the country’s unstable power supply and the fact that their modest earnings are unable to cover the high tariff and estimated power billing. This is due to the fact that DISCOs have not implemented mass metering to eliminate the estimated billing system.
Malam Mustapha, a resident of Shiyar Sarakuna, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, has made the switch to solar power. He blamed inaccurate billing and inadequate supplies, stating, “we are simply paying for darkness.”
Despite being in Band C, which is predicted to enjoy five hours of light each day, Mustapha was taken aback by the steep tariff hike, as the latest increase was meant to impact only Band A customers.
It remains a mystery to me why we are paying so much for electricity when we aren’t even getting it, he told Vanguard.
We are still responsible for paying the outrageously high bill and powering our generating sets ourselves. Moving to solar power has been a boon for me.
Prepaid meter user Bashar Bako of Aliero Housing Estate was taken aback when, the day after the rate hike was announced, he went to top up his meter units. The cashier informed him that his area was impacted by the increase, even though he is in Band B.
Bako, who was saddened by the news, hired a solar energy agent to install panels so that he could have consistent electricity at home and reduce the amount of meter units he had to pay because his wage couldn’t cover the high tariff.
Increased support
Our reporter spoke with Malam Umar Yalli, a solar energy installation agent with the Sun King in Birnin Kebbi, who said that, ever since the rate increase, he has seen a dramatic rise in patronage and demand for solar energy across the state.
Due to the state’s significant increase and epileptic power supply, he continued, at least 300 families have had installations.
others with more disposable income, like private citizens, pay for solar panels all at once, while others with less, like government employees, pay for them in installments.
Assuming rate increases and inadequate power supply persisted, Umar predicted that one million consumers will be reached in the near future.