The Federal Government has dismissed reports of an imminent increase in electricity tariffs, insisting that its priority is to improve power supply and deliver reliable electricity to Nigerians.
Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe described reports circulating on social media about a planned tariff hike as misinformation, urging Nigerians to disregard them.
“There is no plan to increase electricity tariffs,” Mr Tegbe said on Thursday while flagging off a 17.7-megawatt hybrid solar mini-grid project in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The project includes a 17.74-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system designed to improve electricity supply to communities across five local government areas in the state.
Mr Tegbe said the government was focused on developing a power sector capable of delivering electricity around the clock, rather than increasing tariffs.
He added that the government’s strategy included strengthening the national grid and developing three major energy corridors: Lagos-Ogun, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano, and Benin-Enugu-Port Harcourt.
According to the minister, the initiatives are intended to improve electricity reliability, support businesses, reduce dependence on petrol and diesel generators, and create opportunities for investment and employment.
The mini-grid project is expected to serve 22,597 customers across five community clusters in Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu local government areas.
The project is being developed by Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited, with the existing distribution infrastructure of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company to be used to deliver the electricity generated.
The Rural Electrification Agency, Paras Energy, the World Bank, IBEDC and the Oyo State Government are among the institutions involved in the initiative.
Mr Tegbe said the Federal Government remained committed to expanding electricity access and improving grid stability as part of its ambition to provide round-the-clock power supply across the country.
His remarks come amid public concern over electricity costs and calls for improved service delivery following previous tariff adjustments affecting some categories of consumers.
However, the minister did not announce any new nationwide tariff policy during the event, reiterating that the government had no plan to increase electricity tariffs.
The Federal Government’s latest clarification is likely to offer some reassurance to consumers worried about a further rise in electricity bills, although the impact of the planned power sector improvements will depend on their implementation and the reliability of supply.
