Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has voiced a scathing critique of Nigeria’s worsening energy crisis, revealing that he now spends as much as ₦40,000 daily just to maintain electricity in his home. In a viral interview with African Independent Television (AIT) on Friday, March 6, 2026, the 78-year-old legendary actor lamented that such an astronomical cost, amounting to roughly ₦1.2 million monthly; is unsustainable for the average citizen.
“I am spending over ₦40,000 daily in Nigeria just to have electricity. Who is really fighting for the common man?” Edochie questioned, expressing deep frustration over the disconnect between the government’s “Band A” promises and the reality of persistent blackouts and exorbitant tariffs. He noted that despite being placed in high-tariff categories supposedly guaranteed 20 hours of power, many Nigerians are still left in darkness while paying “criminal” amounts for the little service they receive.
The veteran actor’s remarks come at a time of heightened economic tension in Nigeria, as recent reports from the Nigeria Infrastructure Solidarity Group (NISO) have linked declining power generation to a persistent shortage in gas supply. This energy crunch has forced many businesses and households to rely heavily on expensive petrol and diesel generators, further driving up the cost of living. “Leadership is dominated by elites, but 60 years after independence, we’ve not ended the electricity problem,” Edochie added, echoing a sentiment he has long held regarding the need for “strategic leadership” to transform the country’s socio-economic landscape. His public outcry has resonated with many who feel that the “common man” has been abandoned amidst soaring inflation and the failure of essential public utilities.
Beyond the immediate financial burden, Edochie also touched upon the broader political implications of the crisis as the nation looks toward future leadership. He argued that the continuous looting of resources and the inability to fix basic infrastructure like the power grid are symptoms of a “greed-driven” political system. “I’ve lost hope in Nigeria’s electoral process,” he confessed during the session, suggesting that the current reforms have yet to yield tangible benefits for the populace. As one of the most respected voices in African cinema, his candid assessment of the power sector has sparked a renewed national conversation about accountability and the true cost of surviving in the country’s current economic climate.
