The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that there will be no increase in electricity tariffs despite recent improvements in power generation across the country.
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, gave the assurance in Abuja during a media briefing to mark his first 100 days in office, saying the government’s priority is to improve electricity supply and strengthen the power sector.
“Let me categorically state, and this is not a political statement, we have no plan to increase electricity tariffs,” Tegbe said.
He disclosed that electricity generation rose to a peak of 5,330 megawatts in August and September, compared to between 3,700MW and 4,700MW before June, while the government has mobilised about ₦1.23 trillion to clear part of the sector’s huge debt.
The minister said the 375MW Alaoji power plant has returned to the national grid after three years, while new transformers installed in Lagos and Abuja have added more transmission capacity to improve supply.
He also revealed that more than 300 containers of critical power equipment were released from the ports to speed up the completion of electricity projects across the country.
On metering, Tegbe said over one million meters have now been installed nationwide, while the resolution of the AMMON litigation has paved the way for the procurement of about 1.4 million additional smart meters.
The minister, however, admitted that improved national generation does not mean every community is already enjoying stable electricity, saying, “National progress can coexist with an unreliable feeder in a particular community.”
As part of efforts to expand access to electricity, he said the government has completed 62 solar and mini-grid projects in 30 states and launched a Renewable Asset Management Company to strengthen renewable energy development.
Tegbe urged Nigerians to support efforts to protect power infrastructure, stressing that reliable electricity remains vital for economic growth, job creation and improved living standards across the country.