FG Rules Out Electricity Tariff Hike, Pledges 24-Hour Power Supply
The Federal Government has dismissed reports of a planned increase in electricity tariffs, assuring Nigerians that its priority is to improve power supply and achieve reliable electricity nationwide.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, gave the assurance on Thursday 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).
Tegbe urged Nigerians to disregard reports suggesting that the government intended to raise electricity tariffs, stressing that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was focused on delivering more reliable power.
“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 explained that the government was pursuing an energy strategy designed to expand 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 improve power generation and transmission infrastructure across the country’s eastern, western and central corridors.
The five mini-grid projects are located in Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo Oluwa and Sooko-Elega, with the facilities expected to serve communities across Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu Local Government Areas of Oyo State.
According to the minister, the projects would expand electricity access, reduce dependence on petrol and diesel generators, and create a more conducive environment for businesses, investment and employment generation.
He described the initiative as part of the Federal Government’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 facilitating the projects.
The minister reiterated that the administration’s focus remained on improving electricity supply and strengthening the power sector, rather than increasing tariffs.
