“APC Secretary Bashiru Emphasizes Capitalist Energy Model Amid Electricity Bill Surge”

In a strong statement on Nigeria’s economic direction, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Secretary Bashiru, reaffirmed that the country is not operating under a socialist framework, particularly in the energy sector. His comments follow widespread public reactions to soaring electricity bills, notably highlighted by Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.

Appearing on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, Bashiru underscored the need for Nigerians to understand that energy provision is a globally monetized service, not a social welfare item. “Energy is not cheap anywhere in the world. Nigeria is not running a socialist society. Let us get it very right. We are in a globalised economy,” he asserted.

Hamzat, who had earlier lamented an alarming spike in his household electricity bill — from ₦2.7 million in March to a staggering ₦29 million in April — shared his grievances during a meeting with the Rural Electricity Agency (REA) in Lagos. The deputy governor’s complaint sparked public debate about the affordability and fairness of energy distribution in Nigeria.

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Bashiru maintained that the case of Hamzat, while concerning, should not be seen as reflective of the average Nigerian’s experience. He noted that the APC-led administration has made notable strides toward resolving the long-standing infrastructure gap in the power sector.

According to Bashiru, the goal is not to offer electricity as a free public good, but to build a sustainable and functional market-driven energy system. “It’s important to distinguish between personal grievances and systemic realities. The APC is committed to long-term energy reforms, not quick fixes,” he explained.

This perspective aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic policies, which have shifted towards privatization and deregulation in recent decades. From telecoms to aviation, the government has gradually moved away from full state ownership, placing emphasis instead on private sector-led growth — a trend that the energy sector is now mirroring.

Bashiru’s comments come at a time when Nigerians are grappling with rising living costs, compounded by inconsistent power supply and opaque billing systems. While energy companies argue that tariff hikes are essential to cover the cost of generation and transmission, many consumers feel that they are being charged exorbitantly without corresponding service improvements.

The APC secretary’s remarks suggest that Nigerians should brace for a continued market-oriented approach, where profit motives drive energy policy rather than populist considerations.

Despite the backlash to Hamzat’s electricity bill revelation, Bashiru called for a deeper understanding of the country’s economic structure. “The fact that you are in government does not exempt you from market dynamics. Everyone must play by the same economic rules,” he stated.

As conversations continue around how best to balance affordability and efficiency, Bashiru’s declaration reinforces the federal government’s stance — that energy in Nigeria is a commodity, not a social entitlement.