In Akiode, a community in Lagos, Nigeria, a recent electricity tariff hike has turned the lives of residents upside down. What was once a daily struggle to afford electricity has become an unaffordable luxury, forcing many to choose between light and food. The Nigerian government's decision to increase electricity tariffs by threefold in April 2024 has sparked a crisis in low-income communities, where residents are now forced to pay exorbitant rates for a basic necessity.

The tariff hike was introduced as part of the government's efforts to reduce the country's annual electricity subsidy of ₦700 billion ($451 million). The new tariff structure, known as Band A, offers 20 hours of daily electricity at a premium rate of ₦225 per kilowatt. While intended for affluent neighborhoods and commercial areas, the tariff has been applied to low-income communities like Akiode, where residents are struggling to cope with the increased costs.

Residents of Akiode, who were previously used to living without electricity, have been forced to adjust to a new reality where they must pay daily for electricity units. The cost of electricity has become a significant burden, with many residents now spending more on electricity than on food. The situation has led to conflicts among neighbors, as some struggle to keep up with the daily payments, while others are forced to go without electricity altogether.

The impact of the tariff hike has been felt across Nigeria, with many low-income communities demanding to be removed from Band A. According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, 62.4% of households cannot afford enough food daily, with 12.3% reporting that at least one family member went an entire day without eating. The tariff hike has only exacerbated the situation, leaving many families to choose between electricity and food.

Some residents have found creative solutions to the crisis, such as installing small unit readers to track their electricity usage. Others have resorted to lending money to neighbors who cannot afford their contributions. However, these solutions are temporary fixes to a deeper problem, and many residents are calling for the government to review the tariff structure and provide relief to low-income communities.

The situation in Akiode highlights the need for a more equitable and sustainable approach to electricity provision in Nigeria. As the country struggles to balance its budget and reduce subsidies, it is essential that the government considers the impact of its policies on the most vulnerable members of society. Until then, residents of Akiode and other low-income communities will continue to struggle in the dark, forced to choose between light and life's essentials.