Authorities in the City of Tshwane, South Africa, temporarily disconnected electricity supply to the Nigerian High Commission over unpaid utility charges, before restoring power after the задолженность was cleared.
The action was confirmed by Tshwane’s Executive Mayor, Dr. Nasiphi Moya, via a post on X, where she announced that the diplomatic mission had been disconnected for owing the city for electricity services.
The move triggered widespread reactions on social media, with both South Africans and Nigerians expressing surprise that a foreign high commission could default on utility payments in its host country.
Hours later, Mayor Moya provided an update, confirming that the Nigerian High Commission had settled the outstanding bills, prompting the city to reconnect electricity to the premises.
As of the time of this report, neither the Nigerian High Commission nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja has released an official statement on the incident.
The development has reignited public concern over the administration of Nigeria’s foreign missions, particularly issues relating to funding, maintenance of diplomatic facilities, and the welfare of embassy personnel abroad.
