This paper explores politics on the consumer side and how they shape the
electricity market within the Nigerian context. Using mixed method
approach, quantitative data from news reports and government records,
together with informal interviews of some targeted energy consumers were
used to gain understanding on the motives of political consumption in
Nigeria's electricity sector. The study reveals that there are four
salient energy consumer groups in Nigeria categorized based on their
willingness-to-pay and ability-to-pay for electricity bills. The study
further reveals the origins and evolution of unwillingness-to-pay for
electricity by certain consumer groups and their impact on the workings
and development of the Nigerian electricity market. The study concludes
by stressing the importance of value-added services by energy businesses
as a way to start to engage with customers which leads to the
establishment of trust and a gradual transition to a customer-driven
energy future.