South Africa cuts power to Nigerian high commission over unpaid bills

South African authorities have disconnected the electricity supply to the Nigerian High Commission, citing unpaid utility charges.

The action was confirmed on Monday by Nasiphi Moya, mayor of Tshwane, in a post on X. She said the disconnection was carried out under the city’s #TshwaneYaTima campaign, which targets government bodies, businesses and residents with significant outstanding debts.

“#TshwaneYaTima: We’ve disconnected electricity at the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They owe the city for utility services,” Moya wrote.

The move is the latest in a series of power cuts involving Nigerian diplomatic facilities in South Africa. In 2023, City Power, the Johannesburg electricity distributor, disconnected supply to the Nigerian consulate in the city over an outstanding bill of about R600,000 (roughly $35,000 at the time).

Again, in September last year, the Nigerian High Commission was reportedly cut off from public electricity after failing to clear accumulated bills.

Oluwatosin Ogunjuyigbe

Oluwatosin Ogunjuyigbe is a writer and journalist who covers business, finance, technology, and the changing forces shaping Nigeria’s economy. He focuses on turning complex ideas into clear, compelling stories.