A recent Facebook post by Abdulrahman Abdullahi alleged that electricity costs are higher in northern Nigeria compared to the southern region. He claimed that in Bauchi, ₦1,000 buys only four units of electricity (₦250 per unit), while in Ibadan, ₦90 purchases 8.5 units (about ₦10.59 per unit). However, a fact-check reveals this assertion is based on a misunderstanding of Nigeria's tariff system.
Understanding the Service-Based Tariff
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) classifies consumers into five service bands (A to E) based on the minimum average daily hours of electricity supply. Customers in higher bands receive more supply and pay higher tariffs, while those in lower bands pay less. This system applies uniformly across the country, regardless of region.
For example, according to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), Band A customers pay ₦209.50 per kilowatt-hour, while Band D and E customers pay ₦32.44 and ₦32.26, respectively. Similarly, Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED), which serves Bauchi and other northern states, follows the same band structure. Thus, two customers in the same city can face different tariffs if they belong to different bands.
Misleading Comparison
Abdullahi's comparison failed to specify the service bands of the customers involved or whether the transactions included energy credits or adjustments. The difference in cost is not due to location but to the band classification. Customers in different states may pay similar rates if they are in the same tariff category. Therefore, his claim that northern residents pay more is misleading.
Broader Context
NERC has signaled another tariff adjustment aimed at improving service delivery, which could further burden Nigerians already facing high living costs. Meanwhile, a recent report showed that electricity distribution companies (DisCos) generated ₦630.93 billion from ₦795.06 billion billed in Q4 2025, with collection efficiency dropping to 79.36%. Only Eko DisCo met its target, while Kaduna DisCo recorded the worst performance.
In summary, electricity tariffs in Nigeria are determined by service bands, not geography. Consumers should check their band classification to understand their charges.
