The Federal Government has ruled out plans to increase electricity tariffs, dismissing speculation about a possible hike and assuring Nigerians that its priority is to improve power supply across the country.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, gave the assurance in Ibadan, Oyo State, during the groundbreaking ceremony for five interconnected mini-grid projects with a combined generation capacity of 17.7 megawatts and a 17.74-megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
The projects, located in Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo Oluwa and Sooko-Elega, are expected to provide electricity to communities across Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu Local Government Areas.
Addressing the gathering, Tegbe urged Nigerians to disregard reports suggesting an impending electricity tariff increase, stressing that the government was focused on delivering a more reliable and consistent power supply.
“I want to say this clearly and without ambiguity: there is no plan to increase electricity tariffs. What we are planning is a power sector that works around the clock. Our commitment is 24/7 power,” he said.
The minister said the Federal Government was implementing an energy strategy designed to improve electricity supply through designated energy corridors, including the Lagos-Ogun, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano and Benin-Enugu-Port Harcourt corridors.
He added that efforts were also underway to strengthen the national grid and upgrade power generation and transmission infrastructure across the country’s eastern, western and central corridors.
According to Tegbe, the mini-grid projects would expand electricity access in beneficiary communities, reduce reliance on petrol and diesel generators, and create a more conducive environment for businesses, investment and job creation.
He described the initiative as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that similar electricity interventions had been implemented in communities across several states with support from the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
Tegbe commended Tinubu for his leadership and acknowledged the contributions of the REA, project developer Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited, the World Bank and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company.
He also recognised the Oyo State Government, traditional rulers and other stakeholders for their roles in advancing the projects.
The initiative is expected to improve electricity access in the beneficiary communities while supporting local economic activities and reducing dependence on conventional power sources.
