The clarification followed widespread media reports alleging that the government was preparing to review electricity tariffs across different service bands. However, the Presidency said those reports were based on a misinterpretation of remarks made by the Special Adviser to the President on Power Infrastructure in the Office of the Vice President, Sadiq Wanka.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Saturday, Wanka stressed that the government remains committed to protecting electricity consumers, particularly vulnerable households, through existing subsidy programmes.
“There is no planned tariff hike for any grid consumer across any service band. The government remains committed to protecting vulnerable households through continued tariff support.”
According to the statement, Wanka's comments, which sparked the reports, were made during a presentation at the Asharami Square 3.0 event held in Lagos on July 22, 2026. The presentation, he explained, focused on investment opportunities within Nigeria's power sector and the Federal Government's ongoing reforms aimed at attracting greater private sector participation.
“The Special Adviser’s comments were made during a presentation… where he addressed investment opportunities in the power sector and how the Federal Government’s reform programme has opened new avenues for investors across the power value chain.”
Wanka further explained that his presentation referenced the policy direction contained in the National Integrated Electricity Policy, which was completed in December 2024 and later approved by the Federal Executive Council in May 2025.
He noted that the policy supports a gradual transition to cost-reflective electricity tariffs, a process that has already been implemented for customers classified under Band A, who enjoy the highest levels of electricity supply.
“In that context, he reaffirmed the tariff policy direction set out in the National Integrated Electricity Policy… a long-standing, publicly available policy of gradually transitioning to cost-reflective tariffs, already implemented for ‘Band A’ electricity consumers.”
The presidential aide, however, emphasised that no similar changes are currently planned for consumers in other service bands, adding that electricity subsidies will remain in place for those categories.
“For all other consumer bands, he was clear that there is no plan to remove subsidies. Rather, the Government is exploring how to deliver value and support more efficiently.”
As part of efforts to improve the administration of electricity subsidies, Wanka highlighted the Power Consumer Assistance Fund (PCAF), a mechanism established under the Electricity Act 2023 to ensure that financial support reaches eligible consumers more efficiently.
According to the statement, the initiative is expected to improve transparency by delivering targeted subsidies directly through consumers' electricity accounts or other identity-linked channels, while also strengthening investor confidence in the country's electricity market.
“The special adviser highlighted the Power Consumer Assistance Fund (PCAF), enabled by the Electricity Act 2023, as a mechanism for delivering targeted subsidies directly to vulnerable consumers, through consumer electricity accounts or other identity-linked means, improving transparency and strengthening investor confidence.”
The Federal Government also acknowledged the role of the media in communicating public policy and urged journalists to continue supporting efforts to provide accurate information to Nigerians.
“The administration of President Bola Tinubu recognises the vital role journalists play in policy communication… Government counts on the continued support of the media in this important national duty.”
The clarification is expected to reassure electricity consumers amid concerns over the rising cost of living and speculation about further adjustments to electricity pricing. While the government maintains its long-term commitment to power sector reforms, it insists that there are currently no plans to introduce a fresh tariff increase for consumers outside the existing framework.