Nigeria's Presidency Denies Electricity Tariff Hike Plans

The Nigerian presidency has firmly stated that there are no plans to increase electricity tariffs for any category of grid-connected customers, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise as misrepresentations. The clarification aims to address concerns arising from recent comments by Sadiq Wanka, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Power Infrastructure.

Wanka, speaking at the Asharami Square 3.0 event in Lagos, discussed investment opportunities in Nigeria's power sector and the government's reform program. While reaffirming the tariff policy direction outlined in the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP), which aims for a gradual transition to cost-reflective tariffs, he stressed that this has only been implemented for Band A consumers. The government, he emphasized, has no intention of removing subsidies for consumers in other service bands.

Instead, the presidency stated that the government is actively exploring more efficient methods for delivering electricity subsidies. The Power Consumer Assistance Fund (PCAF), established by the Electricity Act 2023, is highlighted as a mechanism for providing targeted support directly to vulnerable consumers. The presidency also acknowledged the media's crucial role in communicating government policies and urged for accurate reporting on reforms, particularly in the power sector.

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There is no planned tariff hike for any grid consumer across any service band. The government remains committed to protecting vulnerable households through continued tariff support.