By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Federal Government has ruled out an increase in electricity tariffs, assuring Nigerians that its priority is to improve power supply and achieve round-the-clock electricity.
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, gave the assurance on Thursday in Ibadan, Oyo State, amid speculation about a possible tariff increase.
He spoke during the groundbreaking ceremony for five interconnected mini-grid projects designed to expand electricity access in underserved communities.
“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,” Tegbe said.
The projects have a combined generation capacity of 17.7 megawatts and a 17.74-megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System.
They are located in Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo Oluwa and Sooko-Elega, serving communities across Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu Local Government Areas.
Tegbe urged Nigerians to disregard misinformation about a planned tariff increase, stressing that the government was focused on improving electricity supply.
He said the Federal Government was pursuing an energy strategy built around designated power corridors, including Lagos-Ogun, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano, and Benin-Enugu-Port Harcourt.
The minister added that the government was also working to strengthen the national grid and improve power generation and transmission infrastructure across the country.
According to him, the mini-grid projects will expand electricity access, reduce dependence on generators and create better conditions for businesses, investment and job creation.
He described the initiative as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that similar interventions had been implemented in communities across several states with support from the Rural Electrification Agency.
Tegbe commended Tinubu for his leadership and acknowledged the contributions of the Rural Electrification Agency, 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 support towards the projects.
