The Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s management of the electricity sector, asserting that a comprehensive scorecard of the administration’s achievements is forthcoming.
The council’s response follows growing criticism from various stakeholders regarding the government’s progress on key electricity sector reforms. Specifically, the PCC addressed accusations that the administration has failed to deliver on its campaign pledge to address the issue of estimated billing for Nigerian consumers.
According to the PCC, critics have been selective in their analysis of the President’s previous commitments. The council noted that while various commentaries have highlighted the promise to end estimated billing, they have omitted the caveat set by the President: that he would provide Nigerians with adequate reasons if his administration failed to fulfil the commitment before seeking re-election.
Addressing the estimated billing controversy
The debate over estimated billing remains one of the most contentious issues in Nigeria’s electricity market. Many consumers have long complained of being charged for electricity based on estimates rather than actual consumption, a practice that frequently leads to disputes with Distribution Companies (DisCos).
By defending the President’s record in the power sector, the PCC is attempting to manage public expectations and frame the administration’s actions as part of a broader, more complex reform process. The council maintains that the promised scorecard will provide the necessary context to judge the administration’s efforts against the technical and economic challenges facing the national grid.
The Nigerian power sector has faced significant hurdles during this administration, including liquidity shortages within the industry, ageing infrastructure, and the removal of electricity subsidies. These economic pressures have impacted tariff structures and complicated the government’s ability to implement rapid changes to billing models and grid stability.
The PCC’s stance suggests that the administration intends to shift the political conversation from individual unfulfilled promises to a broader assessment of systemic improvements. However, the council has not yet provided a specific timeline for when this promised scorecard will be released to the public.
As the administration continues its energy reform agenda, the focus remains on whether the government can stabilise the grid and establish a transparent billing system that restores consumer confidence in the DisCos.
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