The Federal Government has no plan to increase electricity tariffs, Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe has said, dismissing reports of a possible hike and assuring Nigerians that the administration is prioritising improved electricity supply.
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.
The projects are expected to provide electricity to communities across Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu local government areas.
Addressing concerns about electricity pricing, the minister urged Nigerians to disregard reports suggesting that another tariff increase was being planned.
“I want to say this clearly and without ambiguity: there is no plan to increase electricity tariffs,” Tegbe said.
He added that the government’s priority was to develop a power sector capable of delivering reliable electricity around the clock.
According to the minister, the mini-grid projects are expected to expand electricity access, reduce dependence on petrol and diesel generators, and support economic activities in the beneficiary communities.
The projects involve interconnected mini-grid infrastructure and battery storage designed to strengthen electricity delivery.
Tegbe also acknowledged the contributions of the Rural Electrification Agency, project developer Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited, the World Bank, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and other stakeholders.
Reliable electricity remains a major concern for Nigerian households and businesses, many of which rely on alternative power sources because of inconsistent grid supply.
While the minister’s statement provides the government’s current position on electricity tariffs, the long-term impact of the projects will depend on their completion, operational performance and ability to deliver reliable power to the communities concerned.