Firdaus Obiremi
The Federal Government has ruled out plans to increase electricity tariffs, assuring Nigerians that its priority is to improve power supply and achieve round-the-clock electricity across the country.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, gave the assurance on Thursday in Ibadan, Oyo State, amid speculation about a possible tariff increase.
Tegbe spoke 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, located in Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo Oluwa and Sooko-Elega, are expected to provide electricity to communities across Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu local government areas of Oyo State.
Addressing stakeholders at the ceremony, the minister urged Nigerians to disregard reports suggesting that the government was planning to increase electricity tariffs, insisting that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was focused on improving electricity 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,” Tegbe said.
He explained that the Federal Government was pursuing an energy strategy designed to strengthen electricity generation, transmission and distribution through designated energy corridors across the country.
According to him, the proposed energy zones include the Lagos-Ogun corridor, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor and the Benin-Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor.
The minister added that efforts were also underway to strengthen the national grid and improve electricity infrastructure across the eastern, western and central parts of the country.
He said the interconnected mini-grid projects would expand electricity access in underserved communities, reduce dependence on petrol and diesel-powered generators, and create a more favourable environment for businesses and investments.
Tegbe noted that improved electricity supply would support economic activities, encourage job creation and enhance the livelihoods of residents in the beneficiary communities.
He described the initiative as part of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that similar projects had been implemented in communities across several states with support from the Rural Electrification Agency.
The minister 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.
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