President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to providing reliable electricity to Nigerians, nearly four years after making a similar promise during his 2023 presidential campaign. Speaking at an All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Dutse, Jigawa State capital, Tinubu outlined plans to address the country's persistent electricity challenges if given another mandate in the 2027 general election. He emphasized his administration's focus on providing reliable power supply, reducing the cost of living, and strengthening Nigeria's industrial sector.
Tinubu's renewed promise comes after he previously challenged Nigerians not to re-elect him if he failed to fulfil his pledge to improve power supply. In December 2022, while addressing members of the Organised Private Sector at a business lunch in Lagos, Tinubu assured business leaders that Nigerians would enjoy electricity and would no longer be subjected to estimated electricity bills. He expressed confidence that his administration would address the country's electricity challenges.
The President's latest remarks have brought attention back to his earlier commitment, with some critics accusing him of not fulfilling his promise. However, members of the Presidency have defended Tinubu, arguing that his original statement has been misrepresented. APC Presidential Campaign Council spokesperson, Dele Alake, claimed that Tinubu did not make an unconditional promise to provide uninterrupted electricity within four years.
Alake listed some of the government's interventions in the power sector, including the Electricity Act 2023, the Presidential Metering Initiative, efforts to settle outstanding debts in the electricity sector, and investments in transmission infrastructure. He insisted that the President had not abandoned his commitment to improving power supply. Tinubu also promised to support businesses, particularly nano, small, and medium-scale enterprises, to stimulate economic activities and create employment opportunities.
The President outlined plans to invest in agriculture, including subsidies and interest-free loans for farmers, to improve agricultural production and strengthen food security. He disclosed plans to establish mechanized farming centers across six geopolitical locations in the country and encourage universities to intensify research and development in agriculture. Tinubu's agricultural plans aim to make food more affordable for Nigerians.
Despite the government's efforts, electricity supply remains a major concern for households and businesses across Nigeria. Unreliable power has forced many residents and companies to depend on alternative sources of electricity. Tinubu's renewed promise has sparked debate about his ability to deliver on his commitments, with some critics questioning his ability to address the country's persistent electricity challenges.
The controversy surrounding Tinubu's promise has prompted his aides to defend him, with Bayo Onanuga, the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, maintaining that the President's statement had been taken out of context. Onanuga claimed that the government had made progress in addressing estimated billing through the production and distribution of electricity meters.
Key points
- President Tinubu renews promise to provide reliable electricity to Nigerians.
- The President's pledge comes four years after he vowed to improve power supply or face voter rejection.
- Tinubu outlines plans to address Nigeria's electricity challenges, including investments in agriculture and support for small businesses.
