The Osun Civil Societies Coalition (OCSC) has called on the Federal Government to ensure that improvements in electricity supply are matched with affordability, transparency and accountability as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
The coalition made the call in an Independence Day statement issued on Thursday, October 1, 2026, and signed by its Chairman, Comrade Waheed Lawal.
The OCSC said independence should go beyond political freedom to include economic dignity, social development, improved living conditions and access to essential services for Nigerians.
The coalition acknowledged what it described as reported improvements in electricity supply in Osun State and across the country, commending the efforts of the Federal Government and the Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe.
It, however, urged the government to sustain the improvements while ensuring that electricity remains affordable for ordinary Nigerians.
The coalition expressed concern over the proposed phase-out of electricity subsidy from 2027, arguing that the burden of addressing challenges in the power sector should not be transferred disproportionately to households, workers, traders, farmers, artisans and businesses already facing rising costs.
According to the OCSC, a substantial increase in electricity tariffs could put additional pressure on households, raise production costs, weaken small and medium-sized businesses, reduce disposable income and affect employment and economic growth.
“Electricity is not a luxury. It is fundamental to education, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, commerce, telecommunications, small businesses and virtually every aspect of modern economic activity,” the coalition said.
The group called for deeper reforms to address the structural challenges affecting the power sector rather than relying principally on subsidy removal.
It identified technical and commercial losses, electricity theft, inadequate generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure, insufficient metering, estimated billing, inefficiencies across the electricity value chain, revenue leakages and collection challenges as some of the issues requiring urgent attention.
The OCSC also called for greater transparency and public accountability regarding the financial basis of the proposed subsidy phase-out.
It said Nigerians should be provided with clear information on the annual cost of the existing electricity subsidy, projected savings from its removal, expected effects on electricity tariffs and the likely impact on households, farmers, manufacturers, traders and other businesses.
The coalition also urged the government to disclose measures being put in place to protect vulnerable electricity consumers.
It stressed that policies affecting an essential service such as electricity should be based on credible data, transparency, consultation and a clear assessment of their social and economic consequences.
As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, the OCSC said political freedom should continue to translate into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
The coalition called for a Nigeria where political independence is matched by economic opportunities, affordable essential services, decent livelihoods and living conditions that uphold the dignity of citizens.
It reiterated its call for the government to sustain improvements in electricity supply while ensuring that reliability is accompanied by affordability, transparency, accountability and long-term sustainability.
“Nigeria deserves electricity that is reliable, sustainable and affordable,” the coalition said.
The OCSC wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary and prayed for the continued progress of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.