A claim that Nigeria enjoys low energy tariff in the world has surfaced online.
The claim was made by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu (1:37:20 – 1:38:10), in response to questions from journalists about debts owed to power generation companies (Gencos) during a press briefing held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the National Press Centre in Abuja.
During the televised briefing, Adelabu announced a 35 per cent reduction in electricity subsidies following recent tariff hikes for high-use consumers. He said this adjustment generated ₦700 billion in revenue and helped reduce the government’s financial burden.
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Adelabu acknowledged ongoing challenges in the power sector, including grid instability, gas shortages, and a ₦4 trillion debt owed to power firms, half of which the government plans to address through budgetary support.
He emphasised that the government prioritises the welfare of Nigerians over the interests of electricity companies, striving to ensure both reliable and affordable power supply, especially for the poor. While recognising the global rise in energy costs, Adelabu stated that Nigeria still enjoys one of the lowest electricity tariffs in the world.
The minister also highlighted progress under the Siemens Power Initiative, including improved transmission capacity and a push toward renewable energy. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering consistent and affordable electricity to all Nigerians.
A portion of his statement, as transcribed from the briefing, reads:
Given the nature of this claim, The FactCheckHub investigated its accuracy.
CLAIM
Nigeria enjoys low energy tariff.
THE FINDINGS
Findings by The FactCheckHub shows that the claim is MOSTLY TRUE!
A 2024 BusinessDay report noted that despite the increase in electricity tariffs from ₦66 to ₦225 per kilowatt-hour, Nigeria remains one of the countries with the lowest electricity rates in West Africa.
Citing data from GlobalPetrolPrices.com, the report confirmed that even with a 240 per cent hike, Nigeria’s electricity costs remain among the most affordable in the region.
Countries such as Mali, Togo, Senegal, Ghana, and Ivory Coast reportedly pay more for electricity than Nigeria.
Additionally, a recent Statista report on global electricity prices shows that Nigeria ranks among the countries with the lowest tariffs worldwide.
However, countries like Qatar, Iran, and Russia have even cheaper rates, primarily due to their vast reserves of crude oil and natural gas, which subsidise domestic energy costs.
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This positions Nigeria in a relatively low-cost bracket globally, particularly when compared to countries without comparable energy resources.
THE VERDICT
The claim that Nigeria enjoys the lowest energy tariff in the world is Mostly True.
While Nigeria does not have the absolute lowest tariff, countries like Qatar, Iran, and Russia are cheaper, it remains among the most affordable both in West Africa and globally.
Seasoned fact-checker and researcher Fatimah Quadri has written numerous fact-checks, explainers, and media literacy pieces for The FactCheckHub in an effort to combat information disorder. She can be reached at sunmibola_q on X or fquadri@icirnigeria.org.
