Yemisi Izuora
The President,Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, Kunle Kola Olubiyo, has called for synergy among key government agencies and officials especially in the power sector making particular reference to issuing informations that could stir public reactions.
Olubiyo, while reacting to media reports of possible hike in electricity tariff ascribing it to Olu Verheijen, the Presidential aide on Energy, said the she should allow proper communication on energy matters and perhaps stick to her mandate.
“We have the Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu at the same event..Her Advisory roles and inputs / view point ought to have been reduced to correspondences between her and the Vice President. The sector leader of the power sector is the Honourable Minister of Power.”
Olubiyo, further notes that issues bothering on Upwards and Dowwards Review of Electricity Tariff & Metering are within the purview of the Leadership of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission ( NERC) ..
“It is therefore not out of place to say that she stick to her mandate of advising the President to correspondences in policy files and not rushing to the media to speak on vexed and sensitive issues like these ..
“Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission should be allowed to speak and work from the point of insight, informed opinion and technical expertise.”
However, in a move to correct what she says is a wrong interpretation of what she said, Olu Arowolo Verheijen Special Adviser to the President on Energy
said government is prioritizing metering, debt reduction, and protection of the most vulnerable Nigerians
This will lead to rollout of smart meters starting 2025 to end estimated billing for 7 million households.
“It has become necessary to clarify media reports suggesting an imminent 65 percent increase in electricity tariffs.
This is a misrepresentation of what I actually said in a recent press interview. I highlighted the fact that, following the increase in Band A tariffs in 2024, current tariffs now cover approximately 65 percent of the actual cost of supplying electricity, with the Federal government continuing to subsidize the difference.” the Presidential aide stressed.
She noted that one of the most significant steps in this reform is the Presidential Metering Initiative, which is accelerating the nationwide rollout of 7 million prepaid meters, starting this year.
This will finally put an end to the practice of estimated billing, giving consumers confidence in what they are paying for and ensuring transparency in electricity charges.
Metering will also improve revenue collection across the sector and will attract the investments needed to strengthen Nigeria’s power infrastructure, she said.
Verheijen, noted “Today, the Federal government spends over ₦200 billion per month on electricity subsidies, but much of this support benefits the wealthiest 25 per cent of Nigerians rather than those who truly need assistance.
“To address this, the Federal government is working towards a targeted subsidy system to ensure that low-income households receive the most support. This approach will make electricity more affordable and accessible for millions of hardworking families.”
Furthermore, Verheijen, said the federal government is addressing one of the major roadblocks to improved service, the mounting debts owed to power generation companies.
For years, these debts have prevented investments in new infrastructure and hampered efforts to improve electricity supply.
By clearing these outstanding obligations, the government is ensuring that power companies can reinvest in better service delivery, stronger infrastructure, and a more stable electricity supply for all Nigerians.
Additionally, she said federal government is working to lower the cost of alternative power sources such as Compressed Natural Gas and Liquified Petroleum Gas.
The government fully understands the economic realities facing citizens and is committed to ensuring that reforms in the power sector lead to tangible improvements in people’s daily lives, she noted.
“Every policy is designed with the Nigerian people in mind — eliminating unfair estimated billing, ensuring that subsidies benefit the right people, and creating the conditions for stable, affordable electricity.
“These reforms are laying the foundation for better service delivery, expanded access to electricity for homes and businesses, and unlocking prosperity for all Nigerians.” Verheijen, said.
