Former Rivers State Governor and Vice-Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has condemned the electricity tariff regime introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, alleging that the removal of the electricity subsidy has sharply increased bills for consumers. Amaechi revealed that his personal monthly electricity bill has jumped from N500,000 to N4 million.
Amaechi's Personal Bill Illustrates Policy Impact
Amaechi made the declaration on Thursday, September 3, during ward visits across Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he delivered the campaign message of Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to residents. Using his own electricity bill as evidence, Amaechi stated: “My house electricity bill was N500,000; now I pay N4 million. Atiku said if he comes, I will go back to N500,000. No more Band A and B because government will subsidise it.”
The former governor criticised the Tinubu administration's approach to subsidy removal, saying: “He (Tinubu) just held microphone and didn’t care. He just said remove subsidy. Since he removed subsidy, transportation increased, food prices increased — tomatoes, corn, everything.”
Security and Economic Concerns Raised
Amaechi also linked the subsidy removal to a rise in insecurity, stating: “Insecurity also increased. You no even fit go farm, and government doesn’t care. Atiku said he will bring back subsidy. If Atiku brings back subsidy, everything will come down.” His remarks highlight the broader economic and security challenges that he attributes to the policy change.
Federal Government's Plan to Phase Out Subsidies
The Federal Government, however, has indicated plans to gradually phase out electricity subsidy payments. Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, said on July 31 that the Federal Government planned to phase out subsidy payments in the power sector from 2027. This statement suggests a long-term strategy to eliminate subsidies, despite immediate concerns raised by critics like Amaechi.
The debate over electricity subsidies remains a contentious issue, with opposition figures like Amaechi advocating for their restoration to ease the burden on citizens, while the government pushes for a phased withdrawal to address fiscal pressures.
