South Africa disconnects power supply to Nigerian High Commission over unpaid bills

The High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Tshwane was temporarily cut off from electricity after the city enforced outstanding utility debt, Mayor Nasiphi Moya confirmed.

The disconnection formed part of the city’s #TshwaneYaTima campaign, an initiative targeting consumers with significant unpaid municipal bills.

“We’ve disconnected electricity at the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They owe the city for utility services,” Moya said in a statement.

Hours later, the city confirmed receipt of payment from the Nigerian High Commission. “We thank the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for honouring its debt to the city. The city will reconnect electricity,” the mayor added.

This is not the first time the Nigerian diplomatic mission in South Africa has faced such measures. In 2023, City Power, an electricity distribution company, cut off power to the Nigerian consulate in Johannesburg over an outstanding debt of at least R600,000 ($35,000). Last September, reports indicated a similar disconnection due to unpaid bills.

The city’s #TshwaneYaTima campaign has intensified in recent months, emphasising accountability and timely payment of municipal services, regardless of the consumer’s status or diplomatic standing.