Authorities in South Africa have cut off electricity to Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria due to outstanding utility payments.
Gatekeepers News reports that the move was confirmed by Nasiphi Moya, Mayor of Ishwane (Tshwane) City, in a post on X, part of the city’s #TshwaneYaTima initiative aimed at suspending municipal services to organizations and residents with significant unpaid debts.
According to the mayor’s announcement, “#TshwaneYaTima: We’ve disconnected electricity at the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They owe the city for utility services.”
This development highlights ongoing financial disputes between the mission and the local authorities over unpaid electricity and utility charges.
The Nigerian High Commission has faced similar actions in the past. In 2023, City Power, South Africa’s electricity distribution company, disconnected power to the Nigerian consulate in Johannesburg over unpaid bills amounting to at least R600,000 (about $35,000).
Again, in September 2025, the high commission reportedly experienced a power cut due to arrears in electricity payments, showing a recurring challenge in settling municipal bills.
Observers note that such disruptions affect not only the operations of the diplomatic mission but also the provision of consular services to Nigerians in South Africa, including passport processing and other citizen services.
The high commission has yet to issue a statement addressing the latest power disconnection.
