We’re sustaining electricity subsidy for 85% consumers – FG

The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, has said that the Tinubu administration is sustaining electricity subsidy for 85 per cent of Nigerian consumers.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said that this re-justifies the administration’s credential as a pro-people democratic government.

He maintained that the recently announced hike in electricity tariffs is only affecting 15 per cent of the electricity consumer population.

The minister spoke at the 4th Ministerial Briefing Session held in Abuja on Friday.

The briefing featured Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu and Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Oseni Musiliu.

The discussion was based on the recently approved tariff review by NERC.

“Misconceptions and concerns around the tariff review are understandable. However, let me reassure every Nigerian that this review is a strategic step towards a more sustainable, efficient, and equitable electricity sector,” he said.

He further disclosed: “It lays the groundwork for significant improvements in service delivery, infrastructure development, and economic prosperity. Our focus must, therefore, remain steadfast on ensuring that the electricity sector’s transformation benefits all Nigerians, supports our industries, and propels our nation towards its bright future.

“You would also recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, into law to further strengthen the governance structure in the power sector and mandate the GENCOs to set aside 5 per cent of their actual annual operating expenditure from the preceding year for the development of the host communities.

“The act also removed electricity from the exclusive list to empower the state government to generate and distribute electricity to residents.”