Power Minister Apologizes for Comment on Nigerians’ Freezer Usage Due to Low Tariffs

Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has issued an apology to Nigerians for his remarks regarding their electricity usage. The minister faced backlash over his comments suggesting that Nigerians keep their freezers running for days due to low electricity tariffs.

Adelabu made his apology during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, stating, “Anything we have said that is considered offensive, we are sorry about that.” His initial comments, made on April 4, 2024, sparked criticism from many Nigerians.

The controversy began when Adelabu suggested that Nigerians lack a culture of electricity consumption management because of the “cheap” power supply. This statement followed the government’s announcement of a tariff increase for Band A consumers, which generated widespread outrage and calls for his removal.

In his apology, Adelabu expressed regret over his earlier comments, emphasizing that his intent was not to insult Nigerians. “It was an innocent advice regarding energy consumption management that we believe will help reduce people’s energy bills,” he explained.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) recently raised the electricity tariff for customers receiving 20 hours of power supply daily. The increase, which affects customers classified under Band A, has been heavily criticized due to its timing and the current economic challenges facing many Nigerians.

Adelabu clarified that the new tariff hike would only affect 1.5 million of the approximately 12 million consumers in the electricity sector.