By Faith Chondol
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has ruled out plans to increase electricity tariffs, saying the Federal Government is prioritising improved power supply across the country.
Tegbe gave the assurance on Thursday in Ibadan, Oyo State, during the groundbreaking ceremony for five interconnected mini-grid projects designed to provide electricity to 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,” the minister said.
The projects, with a combined generation capacity of 17.7 megawatts and a 17.74-megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System, are located in Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo Oluwa and Sooko-Elega.
They are expected to expand electricity access across Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu local government areas of Oyo State.
Tegbe said the Federal Government was implementing an energy strategy focused on improving electricity supply through designated energy corridors, including Lagos-Ogun, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano, and Benin-Enugu-Port Harcourt.
He added that efforts were underway to strengthen the national grid and improve power generation and transmission infrastructure across the eastern, western and central parts of the country.
According to the minister, the mini-grid projects would reduce communities’ dependence on petrol and diesel generators while supporting businesses, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities.
He described the initiative as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that similar electricity projects had been implemented in communities across several states with support from the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
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 support of the Oyo State Government, traditional rulers and community leaders, describing their cooperation as important to the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of the projects.
The minister’s assurance comes amid public concern over electricity costs and the need for more reliable power supply across Nigeria.
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