The Federal Government has dismissed reports of an imminent increase in electricity tariffs, saying its immediate focus is on improving power supply, expanding metering and ensuring consumers are billed only for the electricity they use.
Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe made this known on Friday during a media roundtable on the reset of Nigeria’s power sector held in Lagos.
According to the minister, the current administration has no plans to raise electricity tariffs beyond the existing rates, noting that improving service delivery remains its primary objective.
“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,” he said.
Tegbe added that the government would continue exploring measures to shield vulnerable electricity consumers while also improving the financial health of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
“Indeed, the Federal Government will continue to examine additional mechanisms for protecting vulnerable consumers whilst simultaneously improving the financial sustainability of the market,” he stated.
He explained that the government’s broader reform agenda is aimed at strengthening electricity generation, transmission and distribution, restoring investor confidence and building a more sustainable electricity market.
The minister noted that the implementation of the Electricity Act has created opportunities for states to develop electricity markets suited to their local needs, while the Federal Government is advancing a Power Sector Bond initiative to settle outstanding obligations owed to generation companies, gas suppliers and other market participants.
Tegbe also said the Presidential Metering Initiative remains a major part of the reforms, with the government working towards universal metering to eliminate estimated billing and improve transparency.
He announced the launch of the Power Force initiative, which will engage 5,000 Nigerian youths in meter installation nationwide while providing technical training through the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria.
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The minister further disclosed that Nigeria has consistently generated about 5,000 megawatts of electricity over the past two weeks, attributing the progress to improved operational coordination, better power plant performance and stronger collaboration across the electricity value chain.
“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.
While acknowledging the recent gains, Tegbe stressed that increasing electricity generation alone would not resolve the country’s power challenges, saying improvements must also be made in transmission, distribution and market operations.
He added that the government plans to carry out a technical audit of the national transmission network, harmonise electricity regulation between the federal and state governments, invest in key transmission corridors and implement a Super Grid Programme to strengthen the national grid.
According to the minister, Nigerians should begin to notice improvements in electricity supply within the next few months, while broader reforms are expected to deliver a stronger grid, lower technical losses, wider electricity access and better market performance over the next two to three years.