By Adenike Lawal
Nigerians should prepare for higher electricity bills as the Federal Government moves to eliminate blanket subsidies and introduce tariffs that reflect the true cost of power.
Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu sounded the warning during a meeting with heads of power generating companies in Abuja.
He explained that the government can no longer bear the growing financial burden, with over four trillion naira owed to electricity providers due to unpaid subsidies.
Adelabu said the current system is unsustainable and must change. “Citizens must begin to pay appropriate tariffs,” he declared, while adding that vulnerable Nigerians will still receive targeted support.
Data from the electricity regulator shows that while it costs an average of one hundred and sixteen naira to produce a kilowatt of power, most consumers pay less than ninety. Only those in the highest consumption band currently pay the actual cost.
The planned tariff adjustment marks a bold shift in policy aimed at rescuing the power sector from collapse and ensuring long term energy sustainability.
