No immediate electricity tariff hike, FG insists

The Federal Government has ruled out any immediate increase in electricity tariffs, saying its priority is to improve power supply, accelerate nationwide metering and strengthen consumer confidence in the electricity market.

Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, gave the assurance while speaking with journalists after commissioning a 3MW captive solar hybrid power project at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja. Tegbe said the government had no immediate plans to increase electricity tariffs, adding that its goal was to build a commercially viable power sector while protecting vulnerable consumers.

“There are no immediate plans to increase electricity tariffs. Our goal is to build a commercially viable power sector while protecting vulnerable consumers,” he said.

The clarification comes amid renewed concerns over the future of electricity subsidies and possible tariff adjustments following earlier comments by the minister on reforms to the subsidy regime.

Tegbe said the government’s immediate focus was on improving service delivery and ensuring consumers have access to reliable, accurately measured electricity.

He identified universal metering as a major priority, saying it would promote accurate billing, improve transparency and ensure that customers pay for the electricity they actually consume.

The minister said the government was also working to address structural and financial challenges affecting the power sector while pursuing reforms to make the electricity market more commercially sustainable. He said the government remained committed to protecting vulnerable consumers as it considers reforms to the sector’s subsidy framework.

The newly commissioned solar hybrid project at Yakubu Gowon University is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve electricity supply to public institutions and reduce dependence on diesel generators.

Developed by the Rural Electrification Agency under Phase II of the Energising Education Programme, the project comprises a 3.3MWp solar array, 3MW AC output and a 2MWh battery storage system, with dedicated grid supply available outside solar generation hours. The facility is expected to provide more stable and cleaner electricity to the university community of about 58,726 students while reducing the institution’s reliance on diesel-powered generators.

The project also includes 388 solar-powered streetlights installed across the campus to improve visibility and security for students and staff after dark.