The Federal Government has dismissed reports suggesting it plans to increase electricity tariffs, assuring Nigerians that there is no immediate proposal to review the current pricing structure.
Gatekeepers News reports that Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, gave the assurance during a media interactive session in Lagos on Friday, stressing that the administration is instead focused on improving electricity supply, expanding metering and strengthening the country’s power infrastructure.
Tegbe said the government, through the Presidential Metering Initiative, is accelerating efforts to achieve universal metering to ensure consumers are billed fairly for the electricity they use.
He noted that the initiative is designed to promote transparency and fairness in electricity billing while eliminating estimated billing for consumers.
The minister said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to transforming the power sector in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that concrete measures have already been put in place to improve electricity generation, transmission and distribution.
According to him, the media briefing signals the beginning of a new era of openness, accountability and collaboration in the electricity sector.
Tegbe explained that the government’s efforts to reposition the sector are aimed at building on reforms already initiated by the Tinubu administration rather than starting afresh.
“Our objective is clear. To make electricity more available, make the grid more reliable, make the market financially sustainable and restore investor confidence,” he said.
“Ultimately, we want to ensure that electricity becomes a catalyst for national productivity rather than a constraint to economic growth.”
The minister said President Tinubu has demonstrated strong political commitment to electricity sector reforms since the liberalisation of the industry, emphasising that sustainable industrial growth depends on reliable electricity supply.
“This administration has also prioritised investment in transmission infrastructure, expanded rural electrification, strengthened institutional coordination across the electricity value chain, and continued to pursue reforms that encourage private capital while preserving the public interest,” Tegbe said.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Power has commenced several strategic interventions, including the inauguration of the Power Force programme, which is expected to engage 5,000 Nigerian youths in the nationwide installation of electricity meters.
According to Tegbe, the initiative will help bridge Nigeria’s metering gap while equipping participants with technical skills through the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN).
The minister also said the government has recorded significant progress in addressing long-standing challenges surrounding meter procurement and electricity generation, noting that national grid output has remained above 5,000 megawatts consistently over the past two weeks.
“Our ambition is clear. Reliable electricity that powers our homes. Competitive electricity that powers our industries. Sustainable electricity that attracts investment. Inclusive electricity that reaches every Nigerian,” he said.
Tegbe further revealed that the Federal Government plans to begin phasing out electricity subsidy payments from 2027 as part of broader reforms aimed at creating a financially sustainable power sector.
