South African Authorities Restore Power to Nigerian High Commission Following Debt Settlement
Building of theNigerian High Commission in South Africa
Electricity supply has been restored to the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa after a brief disconnection on Monday, 2 February 2026, due to outstanding utility debts. The City of Tshwane reconnected the mission following the immediate settlement of the arrears, ending a diplomatic embarrassment that the Nigerian government attributed to domestic budget delays.
The disconnection was part of the city’s aggressive TshwaneYaTima campaign a credit control initiative aimed at recovering billions of rand in unpaid municipal bills from residents, businesses, and diplomatic missions. Nasiphi Moya, the Executive Mayor of Tshwane, confirmed the restoration via social media, stating, “We thank the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for honouring its debt to the city. The city will reconnect electricity.”
Budgetary Constraints Cited as Root Cause
According to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Abuja, the failure to settle the utility bills was a systemic issue rather than a lack of intent. Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa explained that the mission in Pretoria faced funding shortages because the Nigeria 2026 National Budget had not yet been passed by the National Assembly.
“If budgets are not passed, missions don't have any money,” Ebienfa stated. “The Nigeria mission in Pretoria has not paid because money has not been sent to them since the budget is not yet in place.”
The Ministry confirmed it had engaged with South African authorities to expedite the reconnection once the payment was processed, ensuring the mission could resume its administrative and consular functions.
Recurring Utility Challenges for Nigerian Missions
This incident is not the first instance of Nigerian diplomatic outposts in South Africa facing utility disruptions.
2023: The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg was disconnected by City Power over a debt exceeding R600,000 (approximately $35,000).
September 2025: Reports emerged of another disconnection at the High Commission in Pretoria due to accumulated arrears.
Policy analysts suggest that the absence of substantive ambassadors in many Nigerian missions currently managed by chargés d'affaires has complicated administrative oversight and financial management. While President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recently approved ambassadorial appointments for the UK, France, and the US, the post in South Africa remains among those yet to be filled.
Economic Context: The TshwaneYaTima Campaign
The City of Tshwane has intensified its revenue collection efforts as it grapples with a fiscal crisis. The municipality currently faces significant pressure to settle its own debts with Eskom, the national power utility. By targeting high profile debtors, including foreign embassies, the city aims to signal that no entity is exempt from municipal financial obligations.
The High Commission has since resumed full operations, though the incident has sparked renewed debate in Nigeria regarding the timely funding of foreign missions to preserve the nation's diplomatic standing.
