Nigeria rules out electricity tariff hike

The Nigeria has denied reports of an imminent electricity tariff increase, clarifying that there are no plans to hike tariffs for any grid consumer category. Special Adviser Sadiq Wanka and Minister of Power Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe both emphasized the government's commitment to protecting vulnerable households through continued subsidies and to improving electricity supply, metering, and grid reliability. The government reaffirmed its long-term policy of gradually transitioning to cost-reflective tariffs, already implemented for Band A consumers, while ensuring subsidies remain for other bands. Key initiatives highlighted include the Presidential Metering Initiative, the Power Force program to install meters using 5,000 youths, and a planned comprehensive technical audit of the national transmission network. The government also aims to address liquidity challenges through a Power Sector Bond initiative to clear legacy debts. These reforms are part of President Bola Tinubu's broader agenda to make electricity more reliable, accessible, and financially sustainable, with expectations of visible improvements within months.