The Federal Government has dismissed reports suggesting that electricity tariffs will soon increase, assuring Nigerians that there is currently no plan to raise electricity charges.
Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe gave the assurance on Thursday in Ibadan, Oyo State, while launching a 17.7-megawatt hybrid solar mini-grid project designed to improve electricity supply to underserved communities.
Tegbe described reports of a planned tariff increase circulating on social media as misinformation, urging Nigerians not to be misled by the claims.
“I want to say this clearly and without ambiguity: there is no plan to increase electricity tariffs,” the minister said.
He added that the government was focused on developing a power sector capable of providing reliable electricity around the clock.
According to the minister, the Federal Government is working towards strengthening electricity supply through strategic energy corridors covering the Lagos-Ogun axis, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor, and Benin-Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor.
The newly launched project is expected to benefit communities across five local government areas in Oyo State: Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu.
The project features solar power generation supported by a battery energy storage system, with the aim of improving electricity access for households and businesses, reducing dependence on petrol and diesel generators, and encouraging economic activities.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Deolu Ijose, disclosed that the project would provide electricity to 22,597 customers across five community clusters.
Developed by Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited, the facility will supply power to Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo-Oluwa and Sooko-Elega. IBEDC’s existing distribution infrastructure will be used to deliver the electricity to customers.
Ijose said the initiative demonstrates how electricity distribution companies and private energy developers can work together to expand access to reliable power. He also urged residents to protect the infrastructure from damage.
Meanwhile, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, commended the Federal Government for extending electricity projects to rural and underserved communities. He also called on the Oyo State Government to accelerate its ongoing hybrid power project so residents could benefit from improved electricity supply before 2027.
Governor Seyi Makinde, represented at the event by the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Professor Dahud Shangodoyin, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to improving electricity access through different energy solutions.
The governor noted that the state’s hybrid independent power project, designed to serve the state secretariat and other important public facilities, has a planned capacity of 11 megawatts. Its first 5MW phase was commissioned in 2024.
Tegbe maintained that the Federal Government would continue working to strengthen the national grid and expand access to electricity as part of its vision for more reliable power supply across the country.
For now, the minister’s message is clear: the government says it has no plan to increase electricity tariffs, while efforts to improve power supply continue through projects such as the new Oyo State solar mini-grid.
Source: NAN
