President Bola Tinubu has advised Nigerians to adopt better energy management practices to reduce their electricity bills amid escalating energy costs. Speaking during a media chat at his Bourdillon residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, Tinubu emphasized the importance of personal responsibility in tackling rising expenses.
“It’s not negative to learn to manage. You learn to control your electricity bill—switch off the light. Let’s learn to manage,” Tinubu said.
The President also reiterated his stance against price control, emphasizing his administration’s focus on market-driven reforms. “I don’t believe in price control. We will work hard to supply the market,” he added.
Since Tinubu’s inauguration in May 2023, Nigerians have faced a steep rise in energy costs. The removal of the petrol subsidy caused fuel prices to surge from less than N200 per litre to over N1,100, while the naira plummeted from around N700/$ to N1,600, exacerbating inflation.
In April 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) increased tariffs for customers in the Band A classification, raising rates from N66 per kilowatt-hour to N225. This sharp hike has been met with widespread criticism, especially as Nigerians grapple with one of the worst cost-of-living crises in the country’s history.
Despite the economic challenges, Tinubu has defended his reforms as essential steps toward long-term prosperity. While acknowledging the immediate hardship, he insists that the measures are necessary to stabilize the economy and pave the way for growth.
The President’s comments reflect his administration’s commitment to tough economic decisions, though their impact on everyday Nigerians continues to stir debate.
