South African Authorities cut power supply to Nigerian Mission, restores after payment

The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has had its electricity supply disconnected by authorities in the City of Tshwane over unpaid utility bills.

The disconnection was confirmed on Monday by the Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Nasiphi Moya, who disclosed the development in a post on X, formerly Twitter. According to her, the action was taken after the High Commission failed to settle outstanding debts owed to the city 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,” Ms Moya wrote, alongside a photograph of the Nigerian High Commission building.

The move forms part of the city’s ongoing enforcement drive against major defaulters under the #TshwaneYaTima campaign, which targets individuals, organisations and institutions with persistent unpaid utility bills.

In recent weeks, the City of Tshwane has taken similar action against other high-profile defaulters, including the South African Police Service (SAPS) Academy, which was reportedly disconnected over an estimated debt of R3.8 million.

The municipal authorities have consistently maintained that no entity is exempt from enforcement measures when utility obligations remain unpaid, including government agencies, international missions and large organisations.

However, in a subsequent update, Mayor Moya confirmed that the Nigerian High Commission had settled its outstanding debt. She announced that arrangements were being made to restore electricity supply to the diplomatic mission.

“We thank the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for honouring its debt to the city. The city will reconnect electricity,” she stated.

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