Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has spoken out about the rising cost of living in Nigeria, revealing the heavy daily expenses he faces just to keep basic services running at home.
The 78-year-old actor disclosed that he spends about N40,000 every day on electricity and fuel, highlighting the growing financial pressure many Nigerians face due to unstable power supply.
Edochie shared his concerns during a recent appearance on AIT’s programme JIGSAW, where he also criticised the country’s worsening economic conditions and the state of infrastructure in parts of Nigeria.
- Pete Edochie says he spends N40,000 daily on electricity and fuel at home.
- The actor criticised Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions and rising living costs.
- He also alleged that the South-East has been marginalised in railway infrastructure development.
Pete Edochie Speaks on Nigeria’s Cost of Living Crisis
The Nollywood legend expressed frustration over the growing cost of basic amenities in the country.
According to him, maintaining electricity in his home requires a combination of public power supply payments and additional fuel for generators.
I spend N40,000 in my home every day for light. It disturbs me a lot,
Edochie said.
He explained the breakdown of the daily cost.
N10,000 for electricity and an additional N30,000 on diesel and fuel,
he added.
The actor questioned why everyday living conditions appear to be worsening for ordinary Nigerians.
Nobody seems to be bothered about what is happening to the common man. Why must it keep getting worse on each new day? Can we not improve?
he asked.
Concerns Over Infrastructure in the South-East
Beyond electricity costs, Edochie also raised concerns about infrastructure development, particularly railway projects in Nigeria.
The actor alleged that the South-East region has been left out of key railway transportation projects, describing the situation as troubling.
There was a time when somebody cut off the South-East in terms of railway transportation,
he said.
He questioned why development appears uneven across regions.
Why must there be consistency in going backwards?
he added.
His comments echo a broader debate in Nigeria about infrastructure distribution and economic fairness across the country.
Who Is Pete Edochie?
Chief Pete Edochie (born 7 March 1947) is widely regarded as one of the most respected actors in Nollywood.
He rose to national fame in the 1980s after playing Okonkwo in the Nigerian Television Authority’s adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s classic novel Things Fall Apart.
Before joining the movie industry full-time, Edochie worked as a radio broadcaster and administrator, eventually becoming a director at the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS).
Over the decades, he has received several honours for his contribution to African cinema, including:
- Industry Merit Award – Africa Magic
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Africa Film Academy
- Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), awarded in 2003 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo
Early Life and Education
Pete Edochie was born in Zaria, Kaduna State, although he is originally of Igbo descent.
He attended St. Patrick’s and St. James Primary School in Zaria, before continuing his secondary education at St. John’s College.
He later studied journalism and television production in England, a background that helped shape his early broadcasting career.
Selected Filmography
| Year | Movie Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | King Mabutu | Kasanga |
| 2023 | The Rising Sun | — |
| 2023 | Ifediche | — |
| 2022 | Foreigner’s God | Storyteller |
| 2021 | Ebubedike | Ebubedike |
| 2020 | Unroyal | King Okrika |
| 2018 | Lionheart | Chief Ernest Obiagu |
| 2018 | Trials of Ma’pe | Uncle Wilson |
| 2016 | Mummy Why | Elizabeth’s Father |
| 2014 | Idemili | Igwe |
| 2008 | Heavy Battle | Chief |
| 2007 | Greatest Harvest | Asika |
Personal Life
Edochie is married to Josephine Edochie, and the couple have six children.
The actor is also known to be a devout Catholic.
In 2009, he was briefly kidnapped but later released unharmed by his captors.
Pete Edochie’s comments highlight a growing concern among Nigerians about the rising cost of living and unreliable electricity supply.
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As one of Nollywood’s most respected voices, his remarks have once again sparked conversations about economic hardship and infrastructure development in the country.
What do you think about Pete Edochie’s concerns about electricity costs and infrastructure in Nigeria? Share your thoughts in the comments.
