Tinubu Advises Nigerians to Manage Electricity Bills by Switching Off Lights

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to develop better management skills to reduce their electricity bills. “It’s not negative to learn to manage. You learn to control your electricity bill, switch off the light, let’s learn to manage,” he said in a chat with reporters at his Bourdillon residence in Lagos State .

Tinubu emphasized that he doesn’t believe in price control, stating, “I don’t believe in price control, we will work hard to supply the market.” This statement comes after his inauguration in May 2023, when energy costs skyrocketed due to the removal of petrol subsidies and electricity tariff hikes.

The price of petrol quadrupled, rising from less than N200 per liter to over N1,100 in many parts of the country. The naira also experienced a significant decline, dropping from around N700/$ to N1,600. Furthermore, on April 3, 2024, the electricity regulator raised tariffs for customers under the Band A classification, with customers now paying N225 kilowatt per hour, up from N66.

Many Nigerians have criticized these developments, citing the immediate impact of the tariff hike and the current economic hardship. However, Tinubu maintains that his reforms are necessary to set the country on the path to prosperity.