Joseph Tegbe
The federal government has reiterated that it has no immediate plans to increase electricity tariffs, assuring Nigerians that its priority is to improve service delivery, expand access to reliable electricity, and accelerate the rollout of universal metering nationwide.
The minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, stated this while speaking with some newsmen after commissioning a 3MW captive solar hybrid power project at the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University, describing service improvement and universal metering as key priorities of the Ministry.
“There are no immediate plans to increase electricity tariffs. Our goal is to build a commercially viable power sector while protecting vulnerable consumers,” the Minister said.
The newly commissioned project is designed to provide stable and cleaner electricity to the university community of approximately 58,726 students, significantly reducing the institution’s reliance on diesel-powered generators.
Developed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under Phase II of the Energising Education Programme (EEP), the project comprises a 3.3MWp solar array, 3MW AC output and a 2MWh battery storage system, supported by a dedicated grid supply outside solar generation hours.
The project also includes installing 388 solar-powered street lights across the campus, improving visibility and security while creating a safer environment for students and staff to study and move around the university after dark.
The minister said the commissioning highlights the federal government’s broader commitment to improving the quality and reliability of electricity supply while pursuing reforms that will strengthen the long-term sustainability of the power sector.
He explained that the administration is focused on addressing the structural and financial challenges confronting the sector while ensuring that improvements in electricity supply are matched by greater efficiency and accountability across the value chain.
According to him, universal metering remains a major priority, as it will promote more accurate billing, improve transparency and ensure that electricity consumers are charged based on measured consumption.
The federal government’s clarification comes amid renewed political interpretation of the minister’s comment about the possible removal of electricity subsidies and concerns about a possible further tariff adjustment. The Minister, however, stressed that tariff increases are not an immediate consideration, with the government instead concentrating on improving service delivery and strengthening consumer confidence.
While the administration continues to examine reforms to the electricity subsidy framework as part of efforts to address the sector’s longstanding financial challenges, the government has maintained that such reforms must take into account the needs of vulnerable consumers.
The Federal Government said its broader objective is to establish a financially sustainable, investment-friendly electricity market capable of supporting infrastructure development, improving generation and distribution, and delivering more reliable power to households, businesses, and public institutions.
For now, the government’s position is clear. There will be no immediate increase in electricity tariffs, as efforts remain focused on improving service delivery, expanding metering, and building a more sustainable power sector.
