The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has assured Nigerians that there may be a reduction in electricity costs in the coming months.
This comes amid ongoing efforts to improve power generation and distribution across the country.
Adelabu highlighted that, despite concerns about rising electricity tariffs, electricity remains a more affordable option compared to running generators on petrol or diesel, given current fuel prices.
The minister provided these remarks on Thursday, October 5, during a courtesy visit by Mr. Tosin Adeyanju, Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund, who led the agency’s management team to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Adelabu also emphasized that, in comparison to neighboring African nations such as Togo, Mali, and Niger Republic, electricity rates in Nigeria are still the cheapest. However, he acknowledged that the low income levels in the country make electricity costs seem high for consumers.
Nigerians have expressed frustration over increased electricity tariffs this year, with Band A customers, guaranteed at least 20 hours of electricity supply daily, now paying N209.5 per kilowatt-hour. This increase has sparked complaints from both citizens and manufacturers.
Despite these challenges, Adelabu reassured the public, saying, “Nigerians can be assured of a reduction in the cost of electricity, with the current effort to step up generation and distribution of power in the country. The price of electricity is still the cheapest in Nigeria, compared to even other African nations, but the low level of income makes the cost look high to consumers.”