Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, recently alleged that the Federal Government ceased payment of electricity subsidy in 2022.
This claim was based on statements made by various government officials over time.
According to Falana, on March 23, 2021, the Federal Government announced its plan to end electricity subsidy by the end of that year, as stated by the Special Adviser to former President Muhammadu Buhari on Infrastructure, Ahmad Zakari.
Zakari emphasized that the aim was to improve electricity generation, which would subsequently reduce tariff costs.
Furthermore, Falana cited a statement from the former Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, on March 12, 2022, where she disclosed that the government had quietly removed electricity subsidy.
Ahmed explained that this removal was implemented incrementally over time, adjusting prices accordingly.
Despite these assertions, the incumbent Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, claimed on January 15, 2024, that the Federal Government still subsidizes electricity due to the non-cost-reflective tariff.
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Adelabu justified this by stating that the government subsidizes 67% of the cost of generating, transmitting, and distributing power, amounting to over N3 trillion.
In response to these conflicting statements, Falana questioned the accuracy of the subsidy figures presented by the government and the IMF. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, suggesting that an inquiry be instituted to investigate the claim of a N3 trillion electricity subsidy in 2024.
Additionally, Falana called for an inquiry into the diversion of funds meant for prepaid meters supply.
In summary, Falana’s statements highlight discrepancies in the government’s stance on electricity subsidy and call for a thorough investigation into these matters to ensure transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s electricity sector.
