More Hardship Looms For Nigerians As Tinubu Govt Plans To End Electricity Subsidies In 2027
The Nigerian Government has announced plans to phase out electricity subsidies from 2027 as part of efforts to reduce the mounting financial burden in Nigeria’s power sector.
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this on Friday during a media interactive session, where he addressed concerns over the growing debt crisis facing the electricity industry.
According to the minister, the government intends to eliminate subsidy payments beginning in 2027 as part of broader reforms designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the power sector.
Tegbe, however, assured Nigerians that the planned withdrawal of subsidies would not translate into an immediate increase in electricity tariffs, stressing that the government has no short-term plan to raise the cost of power.
He said the reforms are aimed at addressing the sector’s rising liabilities while preserving the benefits consumers currently enjoy under the existing subsidy regime.
He explained that the move is part of a wider strategy to put the electricity industry on a more sustainable financial footing and resolve the persistent debt challenges that have continued to weigh down the sector.
Tegbe also dismissed concerns that consumers should expect an imminent tariff review, maintaining that there are no immediate plans to increase electricity tariffs.
The announcement comes amid persistent concerns over the financial viability of Nigeria’s power sector, where subsidy obligations and market debts have continued to strain operators and government finances.
Meanwhile, former Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, who has faced allegations of human rights violations, including the military's crackdown on members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also expressed concern last year over the worsening rate of poverty in the country.
Buratai described the economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration as “radical, massive, and sudden.”
The infamous former military chief noted that while poverty in Nigeria has been on a gradual rise over the years, the situation has sharply worsened under the present leadership.
He said the poverty level continued to increase gradually over time, but under the current administration, the situation has become more radical.
Buratai said, “It is massive and sudden."
He explained that the hardship was not gradual like in the previous administration, adding that this radical shift has its own implications.
Buratai made the remarks during the 60th birthday celebration of former minister and Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi.
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