Switch Off Lights to Cut Electricity Costs, Tinubu Tells Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to enhance their skills in managing electricity bills, advising them to take practical steps like switching off lights when not in use.

"It's not negative to learn to manage. You learn to control your electricity bill, switch off the light, let’s learn to manage," Tinubu stated in a conversation with reporters on Monday at his Bourdillon residence in the upscale Ikoyi area of Lagos State.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain further emphasized his stance against price control, making it clear that he would not adopt such a measure. "I don’t believe in price control, we will work hard to supply the market," he added.

Since Tinubu's inauguration in May 2023, the country has seen a sharp rise in energy costs, particularly after the removal of the petrol subsidy and the hike in electricity tariffs. Petrol prices surged dramatically, increasing from under N200 per litre to over N1,100 in many regions. The naira also depreciated significantly, falling from around N700 to the dollar to N1,600.

In response to the growing energy costs, the electricity regulator raised tariffs on April 3, 2024, for customers in Band A classification. The new tariff saw an increase from N66 per kilowatt hour to N225, sparking widespread criticism, especially in light of the ongoing economic difficulties Nigerians are facing.