IBADAN — Nigerians worried about a possible increase in electricity tariffs have received a fresh assurance from the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, who has dismissed reports of a planned hike, insisting that the Federal Government is focused on improving electricity supply nationwide.
Tegbe gave the assurance in Ibadan, Oyo State, during the groundbreaking ceremony for five interconnected mini-grid projects with a combined capacity of 17.7 megawatts and a 17.74-megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
The projects are located in Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo Oluwa and Sooko-Elega, and are expected to provide electricity to communities across Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu Local Government Areas.
Addressing the gathering, the minister urged Nigerians to disregard reports suggesting that electricity tariffs would soon increase, stressing that the government’s priority was to deliver reliable 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.
Government Targets 24-Hour Electricity Supply
Tegbe explained that the Federal Government was pursuing an energy strategy designed to improve electricity supply through designated energy zones across the country.
According to him, the strategic corridors include the Lagos-Ogun corridor, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor and Benin-Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor.
He added that the government was also working to strengthen the national grid and improve electricity generation and transmission infrastructure across the eastern, western and central parts of Nigeria.
How Mini-Grid Projects Will Benefit Communities
The minister said the five interconnected mini-grid projects would expand electricity access in beneficiary communities, reduce dependence on petrol and diesel generators, and create a more favourable environment for businesses, investments and employment opportunities.
He described the initiative as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that similar interventions had been implemented in communities across several states with support from the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
Tegbe commended President 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 appreciated the Oyo State Government, traditional rulers and community leaders for supporting the initiative.
The minister stressed that continued cooperation among stakeholders would be essential to ensuring the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of the projects.
As Nigerians continue to demand more reliable electricity, the Federal Government says its immediate focus is on improving power supply rather than increasing electricity tariffs.
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