Minister of Power apologises to Nigerians over 'insensitive' comment

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has expressed regret for blasting Nigerians who keep their freezers on for days as a result of low electricity tariffs.

Speaking on Channels Television on Thursday, April 11, the Minister said; “anything we have said that is considered offensive, we are sorry about that”.

Recall that during Adelabu’s address to the press in Abuja last week, he slammed Nigerians saying they lack the culture of electricity consumption management because of the cheap power supply.

He said this when he revealed the government's plan to announce an increase in tariff for Band A consumers. This caused a massive uproar with many calling for his dismissal.

Days later, Adelabu apologized to Nigerians over his comment, saying it “was never intended to insult the sensibilities of Nigerians in any way”.

“It was innocent advice with regard to energy consumption management which we believe will go a long way in reducing people’s energy bills. And that advice was directed at those that we believe that because of the recent increase in tariff will start enjoying 20 hours of power per day,” he said.

On April 3, 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) increased the electricity tariff for consumers in Band A enjoying 20- 24 hours of power supply daily.

Due to the current economic hardship, citizens raised concerns over the increase which will see the customers paying N225 kilowatt per hour from the current N66.

According to the Power Minister, the new electricity tariff will affect 1.5 million consumers in the country.