- FG says electricity tariffs will not increase now
- Government will prioritise better power supply and metering
- Nigeria has sustained 5,000MW generation for two weeks
The Federal Government has dismissed reports of an imminent electricity tariff increase, saying its immediate focus is on improving electricity supply, expanding metering across the country and ensuring consumers are billed only for the power they use.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe made the clarification on Friday during a media roundtable on reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s power sector in Lagos.
According to the minister, the current administration has no plans to raise electricity tariffs beyond existing rates, stressing that enhancing service delivery remains the government’s top priority.
“There is no policy by this administration to increase electricity tariffs beyond its current level. Our priority is not tariff increase in the immediate term. Our priority is service improvement, universal metering and ensuring Nigerians pay only for the electricity they actually consume,” Tegbe said.
He explained that the government would continue exploring measures to protect vulnerable electricity consumers while ensuring the financial stability of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
The minister said the government’s approach is part of a broader strategy to transform the power sector through reforms aimed at improving electricity generation, strengthening the national grid, restoring investor confidence and creating a more sustainable electricity market.
He noted that the implementation of the Electricity Act has enabled states to develop electricity markets that suit their individual economic needs. He also revealed that the Federal Government is advancing a Power Sector Bond initiative to clear outstanding debts owed to electricity generation companies, gas suppliers and other stakeholders.
Tegbe described the Presidential Metering Initiative as a key component of the reform programme, saying the government is accelerating efforts to achieve universal metering, eliminate estimated billing and improve transparency in electricity charges.
He further announced the launch of the Power Force initiative, which will engage 5,000 young Nigerians in installing electricity meters across the country while providing technical training through the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria.
The minister disclosed that Nigeria had consistently generated about 5,000 megawatts of electricity over the past two weeks, attributing the progress to improved coordination, increased power plant availability and stronger collaboration across the sector.
He, however, noted that increasing power generation alone would not resolve the country’s electricity challenges, stressing that improvements must also be made in transmission, distribution and market operations.
As part of the ongoing reforms, Tegbe said the government would conduct a comprehensive technical audit of the national transmission network, align federal and state electricity regulations, invest in key transmission corridors across the country and implement a Super Grid Programme to reinforce the national transmission infrastructure.
He expressed optimism that Nigerians would begin to experience noticeable improvements in electricity supply within the coming months, while broader gains such as a stronger grid, reduced technical losses, improved market efficiency and wider electricity access are expected over the next two to three years.
