Nigerian govt denies reports of free electricity, says no decision taken yet

The hope of Nigerians enjoying two months of free electricity supply may have been dashed, as the Ministry of Power on Friday denied reports making rounds to that effect.

The ministry, in a tweet on its official Twitter handle, said there was no decision yet to supply electricity for free to Nigerians as a way of cushioning the effect of the COVID-19 disease pandemic in the country.

The ministry tweeted: “Please Note: NO DECISION has been taken by the Federal Government to provide Nigerians with FREE ELECTRICITY for 2 months. If and when that becomes a reality, it shall be announced officially. Be rest assured that FG is exploring ways to ameliorate any hardship on Nigerians.”

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The clarification by the Power Ministry came after power distributors in the country said the proposal for two months of free electricity supply was at the instance of the Federal Government and that if it happens, government would be the one to pay for electricity consumed by Nigerians.

There have been clamour by Nigerians, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, calling on the Federal Government to consider free electricity supply as one of the relief packages for the COVID-19 pandemic.

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