- The Presidency has denied claims that President Bola Tinubu promised 24-hour electricity for all Nigerians during the 2023 election campaign.
- Bayo Onanuga said the President only promised improved electricity supply and an end to estimated billing, accusing critics of distorting his remarks.
- The government also pointed to reforms such as the Electricity Act, prepaid meter distribution, and expanded solar projects as evidence of progress in the power sector.
The Presidency has dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu promised to provide 24-hour electricity to all Nigerians during the 2023 election campaign, accusing supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi of misrepresenting the President’s remarks.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the claim that Tinubu guaranteed uninterrupted power supply nationwide was false and deliberately distorted.
According to Onanuga, the President’s campaign promise focused on improving electricity supply and ending estimated billing rather than guaranteeing round-the-clock power across the country. He explained that Tinubu had told Nigerians during the campaign:
“Whichever way, by all means necessary, you will have electricity, and you will not pay for estimated bills anymore.”
Onanuga also noted that Tinubu had stated that Nigerians should not vote for him for a second term if he failed to fulfil the promise and could not provide adequate reasons for the delay.
The presidential aide highlighted steps taken by the administration since assuming office, including the signing of the Electricity Act, which allows states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity independently of the national grid. He added that the government has intensified efforts to eliminate estimated billing through the distribution of millions of prepaid meters, with plans to install an additional seven million units nationwide.
According to Onanuga, power generation has continued to improve under the current administration, while off-grid solar projects have been expanded to schools, hospitals and markets in several parts of the country. He, however, acknowledged that challenges remain within Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure and electricity pricing system.
He said the administration is working to address these challenges in order to attract fresh investment and strengthen the nation’s power sector.
