Authorities in South Africa have disconnected electricity supply to the Nigerian High Commission, citing unpaid municipal charges.
The development was confirmed by Mayor of the City of Tshwane, Nasiphi Moya, in a post on X on Monday.
According to her, the action was taken under the city’s ongoing #TshwaneYaTima campaign, which targets defaulters owing substantial amounts for municipal services.
“#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 incident is not unprecedented. The Nigerian diplomatic mission in South Africa has previously faced similar sanctions due to unpaid electricity bills.
However, in another tweet, Moya, disclosed restoring the electricity, following Nigeria honouring its debt to the city.
“We thank the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for honouring its debt to the city. The city will reconnect electricity . @CityTshwane,” she tweeted.
In 2023, City Power, Johannesburg’s electricity distributor, cut off power to the Nigerian consulate over an outstanding debt estimated at more than R600,000 (approximately $35,000).
Again in September last year, reports indicated that the high commission was plunged into darkness after failing to settle accumulated electricity charges, leading to another disconnection from the public power grid.
