The World Bank has revealed that 74 per cent of power users in Nigeria are have less than 12-hour supply of electricity daily.
The bank disclosed this in its Power Sector Recovery Programme (PSRP) Opinion
Research Fact Sheet obtained in Abuja, stating that the findings were done
after a thorough survey conducted by the financial institution.
Providing highlights from its findings and analysis of the PSRP, the World bank
said 93 per cent of consumers paid their electricity bills regularly whenever
their units were exhausted.
It said, “Seventy-six per cent (power users are) willing to pay more for
electricity if supply improves. Sixty-seven per cent agree that electricity
theft is a big issue and affects quality of supply.
“Fifty-eight per cent do not have a meter to measure electricity use.
Seventy-eight per cent have less than 12 hours daily access to electricity.
Sixty-two per cent do not believe that the power sector is being managed
efficiently.”
It added, “Seventy-four per cent are dissatisfied with electricity supply.
Eighty-seven per cent are unaware of ongoing reforms (PSRP) in the power
sector.
“Fifty-three per cent do not receive adequate customer service from Discos
(distribution companies). Eighty-two per cent are unaware of tariff band
classifications.”
“Metering is a key concern nationwide – respondents were generally
dissatisfied with the metering system. Electricity tariff is a nationwide
concern.
“There should be significant improvement in service delivery before increase in
tariff. Majority of respondents are unaware of the key policies and activities
of government and operators.”
It added, “Electricity theft and vandalism are major issues and impact
significantly on the quality of power supply.
“Respondents express high level of distrust with regards to government’s
commitment to improving power supply.”