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The Nigerian Government has ruled out plans to increase electricity tariffs, assuring Nigerians that its priority is to improve power supply and achieve round-the-clock electricity nationwide.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, gave the assurance in Ibadan, Oyo State, during the groundbreaking ceremony for five interconnected mini-grid projects with a combined capacity of 17.7 megawatts and a 17.74-megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
The projects are located in Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo Oluwa and Sooko-Elega, and are expected to provide electricity to communities across Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu Local Government Areas.
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Addressing the gathering, Tegbe urged Nigerians to disregard reports suggesting that the government planned to increase electricity tariffs, stressing that its focus was on delivering reliable power.
“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,” he said.
The minister said the government was pursuing an energy strategy designed to improve electricity supply through designated energy corridors, including the Lagos-Ogun corridor, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor and Benin-Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor.
He added that plans were underway to strengthen the national grid and improve power generation and transmission infrastructure across the eastern, western and central corridors.
According to Tegbe, the mini-grid projects are expected to expand electricity access in beneficiary communities, reduce dependence on petrol and diesel generators, and create a more conducive environment for businesses, investment and job creation.
He described the initiative as part of the Nigerian Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that similar projects had been implemented in communities across several states with support from the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
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Tegbe commended President Bola 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 Oyo State Government, traditional rulers and other stakeholders for their roles in facilitating the projects.
The minister’s assurance comes amid public concern over electricity costs and the need to improve supply across the country. The government says its current priority is to strengthen power infrastructure and provide more reliable electricity to households and businesses.
