The Federal Government has dismissed concerns over a possible increase in electricity tariffs, saying its immediate focus is on improving power supply, expanding metering coverage and ensuring consumers are billed based on actual consumption.
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, stated this on Friday during a media roundtable in Lagos, where he outlined plans to reform and reposition Nigeria’s power sector.
Tegbe said the administration has no plan to raise electricity tariffs beyond the current level, adding that the priority is to enhance service delivery and protect electricity users.
“First, 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,” the minister said.
He added that the government would continue exploring measures to support vulnerable consumers while strengthening the financial stability of the electricity market.
The minister explained that the ongoing reforms are aimed at improving power generation, strengthening the national grid, attracting investment and creating a sustainable electricity sector.
He noted that the implementation of the Electricity Act has opened opportunities for states to develop their own electricity markets, while the government is also working on a Power Sector Bond initiative to clear outstanding obligations within the industry.
Tegbe said the Presidential Metering Initiative remains a major part of the reforms, with efforts underway to eliminate estimated billing through nationwide meter deployment.
He also announced the launch of the Power Force initiative, which will train and deploy 5,000 young Nigerians for meter installation while building technical capacity through the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria.
According to the minister, Nigeria has maintained electricity generation levels of about 5,000 megawatts over the past two weeks, attributing the improvement to better coordination, improved plant performance and stronger collaboration among sector players.
“Although much work remains, enhanced operational coordination, improved plant availability and better engagement across the value chain are beginning to produce measurable improvements,” he said.
Tegbe, however, stressed that increased generation alone cannot resolve the country’s power challenges, noting that improvements must also be achieved in transmission, distribution and market financing.
He disclosed plans for a technical assessment of the national transmission network, alignment of federal and state electricity regulations, investments in key transmission corridors and the development of a “Super Grid Programme” to strengthen the country’s power infrastructure.
