President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to adopt more mindful and efficient ways of managing their resources, specifically electricity consumption, in light of the rising energy costs across the country.
Speaking on Monday at his Bourdillon residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, Tinubu suggested that citizens can reduce their electricity bills by simply being more conscious of their energy usage. “It’s not negative to learn to manage,” the president said, advising people to switch off lights when they’re not in use as a practical way to lower their electricity costs. “Let’s learn to manage; you can control your electricity bill by switching off the light,” he added.
The call for resource management comes in the context of a sharp increase in energy prices since Tinubu’s administration took office in May 2023. After the removal of the petrol subsidy, fuel prices skyrocketed, going from less than ₦200 per liter to over ₦1,100 in many areas. In addition, the electricity tariff was significantly raised in April 2024, particularly for customers in Band A, who now pay ₦225 per kilowatt-hour, up from ₦66. This hike has drawn considerable criticism from Nigerians, many of whom are grappling with the financial strain caused by the simultaneous rise in fuel and energy prices.
While acknowledging the difficulties posed by these price increases, Tinubu’s advice reflects a broader push for Nigerians to develop better management skills in the face of the country’s economic challenges.
Calls for Inclusivity in Appointments
Meanwhile, prominent South-South leader and elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, has urged President Tinubu to avoid practices of tribalism and nepotism in his appointments. Clark, a former Minister of Information and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), expressed concerns that the president’s appointments were overly concentrated among his personal allies and cronies, without sufficient regard for merit or competence.
Appearing on the Channels Television program Inside Sources on Sunday, Clark stated, “Nigeria does not belong to just one person, and every Nigerian should be treated equally, regardless of their ethnicity or background.” He emphasized that the problems facing the country would not be resolved unless the leadership embraces inclusivity and treats all regions and people fairly.
Clark’s comments reflect broader concerns about regional representation in the president’s appointments, particularly in key positions. He urged Tinubu to prioritize competence and balance in his choices, warning that without such an approach, the country’s problems would persist.
The call for a more inclusive and merit-based approach to appointments underscores ongoing debates about national unity and fairness in governance, especially in a diverse country like Nigeria.
