By Peter Omopo
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has dismissed reports of a planned increase in electricity tariffs, assuring Nigerians that the Federal Government is prioritising improved power supply and reliable electricity across the country.
Tegbe gave the assurance in Ibadan, Oyo State, during the groundbreaking ceremony for five interconnected mini grid projects with a combined generation capacity of 17.7 megawatts and a 17.74 megawatt hour Battery Energy Storage System.
The projects, located in Bola, Jiboye, Molade Adelubi, Ogo Oluwa and Sooko Elega, are expected to provide electricity to communities across Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu Local Government Areas.
Addressing participants at the ceremony, the minister urged Nigerians to disregard reports suggesting that the government was planning to increase electricity tariffs.
He said the administration’s priority was to establish a power sector capable of delivering a reliable electricity supply throughout the day.
Tegbe stated that the government was pursuing an energy strategy aimed at improving electricity access and strengthening the country’s power infrastructure.
He identified the Lagos Ogun corridor, Abuja Kaduna Kano corridor and Benin Enugu Port Harcourt corridor as key energy zones under the strategy.
The minister added that efforts were also underway to strengthen the national grid and improve electricity generation and transmission infrastructure across the country’s eastern, western and central corridors.
According to him, the interconnected mini grid projects would expand electricity access in beneficiary communities, reduce dependence on petrol and diesel generators, and create a more favourable environment for businesses and investment.
He said improved electricity supply would support economic activities, encourage job creation and enhance the living conditions of residents in the affected communities.
Tegbe described the initiative as part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that similar electricity interventions had been implemented in communities across several states with support from the Rural Electrification Agency.
The minister commended President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and acknowledged the contributions of the Rural Electrification Agency, 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 essential to the successful implementation and long term sustainability of the projects.
The groundbreaking ceremony marks another step in efforts to expand electricity access through decentralised power infrastructure, particularly in communities where reliable supply from the national grid remains a challenge.
