Federal Government Rules Out Immediate Electricity Tariff Hike, Focuses on Sector Reforms
The Federal Government has said there are no plans to increase electricity tariffs in the near term, reiterating its commitment to improving power supply through ongoing reforms and targeted investments.
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, where he outlined the government’s strategy for strengthening the electricity sector. He noted that the current approach is centred on transparency, collaboration and accountability as authorities work to deliver stable and sustainable power nationwide.
According to the minister, recent efforts in the sector are aimed at addressing longstanding structural challenges while consolidating progress made in previous reforms. He stressed that improving electricity supply remains critical to driving economic growth and industrial development.
Tegbe clarified that despite public speculation, the government is not considering a tariff adjustment at this time. Instead, priority is being given to expanding access to electricity and ensuring fairness for consumers, particularly through the ongoing Presidential Metering Initiative designed to achieve wider metering coverage.
He also highlighted key interventions in the sector, including investments in transmission infrastructure, expansion of rural electrification programmes and improved coordination across the power value chain. These measures, he said, are intended to boost efficiency, attract private investment and enhance overall service delivery.
As part of efforts to bridge the metering gap, the ministry has launched a programme that will engage about 5,000 youths in meter installation across the country through the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria. The initiative is expected to create jobs while strengthening technical capacity within the sector.
The minister further noted improvements in power generation, with the national grid recording output above 5,000 megawatts in recent weeks. He added that the government is also exploring renewable energy options, including solar power projects, to expand electricity supply, particularly to underserved communities.
The Federal Government maintains that its long-term goal is to provide reliable, affordable and inclusive electricity that supports households, industries and national development.
