Shola Akinyele
Millions of Nigerians have been assured that electricity tariffs will not increase anytime soon as the Federal Government unveiled a fresh wave of reforms aimed at improving power supply, expanding access to electricity and ending long-standing billing challenges.
The reassurance came on Friday during a stakeholders’ engagement in Lagos, where the Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunhanmi Tegbe, dismissed reports claiming the government was preparing to raise electricity tariffs.
“There is no move to increase tariff as reported in some media platforms,” the minister said.
The announcement is expected to bring relief to households and businesses already struggling with the rising cost of living, amid concerns that another tariff increase could further worsen economic hardship.
Instead of increasing electricity prices, the Federal Government said it is concentrating on fixing the structural problems that have plagued Nigeria’s power sector for decades.
A key part of the reforms is the Presidential Metering Initiative, which aims to provide universal metering across the country so consumers pay only for the electricity they actually use. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce estimated billing, improve transparency and rebuild public confidence in electricity distribution companies.
Tegbe said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to make electricity more reliable, financially sustainable and attractive to investors while ensuring consumers are protected.
“Our objective is clear: to make electricity more available, make the grid more reliable, make the market financially sustainable and restore investor confidence. Ultimately, we want electricity to become a catalyst for national productivity rather than a constraint to economic growth,” he said.
The minister stressed that the current reforms build on the policies already introduced under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that stable electricity remains essential for industrialisation, job creation and economic development.
Among the major initiatives already underway is the inauguration of the Power Force, a programme designed to engage 5,000 Nigerian youths in installing electricity meters nationwide while equipping them with technical skills through the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN).
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to resolve meter procurement challenges, expand transmission infrastructure, improve rural electrification and strengthen the national grid.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s electricity generation has consistently exceeded 5,000 megawatts over the past two weeks, describing the achievement as evidence that the reforms are beginning to deliver positive results.
Tegbe said the government’s long-term vision is to provide reliable electricity for homes, competitive power for businesses, sustainable energy capable of attracting investment and inclusive electricity access for every Nigerian.
He added that while the government will continue encouraging private investment in the power sector, consumer welfare will remain a top priority.
The latest announcement comes amid growing public demand for more reliable electricity and fairer billing practices. Stakeholders at the meeting welcomed the government’s commitment to transparency and expressed optimism that the ongoing reforms would translate into better electricity supply across the country in the months ahead.
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