Electricity cheaper in UK than Nigeria – Energy expert, Agule
Electricity Costs: Expert Compares UK and Nigeria Rates
LAGOS — Energy expert Nick Agule stated in a recent interview that electricity is less expensive in the United Kingdom than in Nigeria. His comments aired Wednesday on Arise Television and were reported by DAILY POST.
This discussion comes as the Nigerian Federal Government prepares to share electricity subsidy costs with state and local governments starting in 2026. This transition marks a significant change from the current system, where the Federal Government predominantly covers these expenses.
Agule’s remarks also follow recent disruptions in Nigeria’s national grid, which experienced two significant collapses within a week in January.
Agule emphasized the importance of state involvement in electricity subsidy discussions, noting, “Now that states have the responsibility to create electricity markets in their domains, per the 2022 Electricity Act, they should also contribute to the subsidy discussion.”
He suggested that states and local governments should prioritize this as a first-line charge from the Federation Account. However, he criticized the government’s approach to addressing the issue, stating, “It seems the government is addressing the symptom — the accumulated debts in the electricity sector — instead of tackling the root cause.”
Agule expressed confusion over the disparity in electricity costs, saying, “I pay more for electricity in Nigeria than I do for constant electricity in the UK.” He questioned the government’s decision to subsidize telecommunications services, suggesting that this focus may overlook more pressing issues in the energy sector.
