The federal government’s recent move to eliminate electricity subsidies and hike tariffs has triggered outrage among Nigerians, sparking a heated debate both online and offline. Many citizens are now questioning whether subsidies ever truly existed in the power sector to begin with.
The controversy erupted after the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, announced a major policy shift that could see electricity prices surge nationwide. Citing a staggering N4 trillion debt owed to power generation companies (GenCos), the government warned that Nigerians should brace for higher electricity bills.
But Nigerians are not convinced.
“Was there ever any subsidy at all?” one X user, @williamsidopise, asked. “Band A pricing represents what countries pay globally—so what exactly has the government been covering for us?”
Another user, @egbeweger, echoed the sentiment, slamming the inefficiency and lack of transparency in the sector. “What exactly are the DisCos billing the government? And how much are they actually paying on behalf of citizens? The truth is, these policies are just making life harder.”
Many critics argue that the government’s policies seem detached from the suffering of the average Nigerian. One post read: “While Nigeria claims it can’t subsidize electricity, leaders like Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso are almost offering power for free. A revolution may be the only way out.”
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The backlash was immediate and widespread. Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), were flooded with angry posts accusing the government of piling more pressure on already struggling households. The sentiment was clear: Nigerians are tired of promises and policies that do not reflect their daily realities.
Minister Adelabu revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to meet with power sector leaders this week to discuss a path forward. The talks will explore short-term solutions such as promissory notes and restructured payments to ease the debt burden while also implementing long-term reforms to prevent a total collapse of the sector.
“The administration is committed to resolving the debt issue to stabilize the power sector,” Adelabu stated. “Without immediate intervention, we risk a total breakdown of electricity supply in the country.”
The minister also hinted at reviewing regulatory frameworks to improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, and increase transparency in tariff computation.
However, for many Nigerians, these promises ring hollow. The lingering question remains: Was there ever a genuine electricity subsidy in Nigeria—or just another illusion?
