The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has ruled out plans to increase electricity tariffs, saying the Federal Government’s priority is to improve power supply and ensure Nigerians enjoy reliable electricity.
Tegbe gave the assurance on Thursday in Ibadan, Oyo State, during the groundbreaking ceremony for five interconnected mini-grid projects designed to provide a combined 17.7 megawatts of electricity, supported by a 17.74-megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System.
“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,” the minister said.
His statement comes amid public concerns over electricity costs and the reliability of power supply across the country.
The five projects are located in Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo Oluwa and Sooko-Elega, with the aim of serving communities in Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu local government areas of Oyo State.
Tegbe urged Nigerians to disregard reports suggesting that another tariff increase was being considered, insisting that the government was focused on expanding electricity access and strengthening the power sector.
He said the government was pursuing an energy strategy that includes designated power corridors such as Lagos-Ogun, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano and Benin-Enugu-Port Harcourt.
According to him, efforts are also underway to strengthen the national grid and improve electricity generation and transmission infrastructure across the country.
The minister said the mini-grid projects would help reduce communities’ dependence on petrol and diesel generators while creating a more conducive environment for businesses, investment and job creation.
He described the initiative as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that similar projects had been implemented in communities across several states with support from the Rural Electrification Agency.
Tegbe commended the Rural Electrification Agency, project developer Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited, the World Bank and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company for their contributions.
He also acknowledged the support of the Oyo State Government, traditional rulers and community leaders, noting that their cooperation would be important to the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of the projects.
