The Federal Government has ruled out an immediate increase in electricity tariffs, with Minister of Power Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe saying the government’s priority is to improve power supply and service delivery.
Tegbe gave the assurance on Monday while briefing journalists in Abuja to mark his first 100 days in office, amid renewed concerns over the future of electricity subsidies and possible tariff adjustments.
The minister said there was no plan to impose an immediate tariff increase that would place additional financial pressure on electricity consumers.
He said the government was instead focused on improving power generation, transmission and distribution to provide Nigerians with more reliable electricity.
“There are no immediate plans to increase electricity tariffs. Our goal is to build a commercially viable power sector while protecting vulnerable consumers,” Tegbe said in a recent clarification on the issue.
The clarification comes after earlier comments by the minister about plans to gradually end electricity subsidy payments from 2027. Tegbe had said the government was working to address the financial challenges facing the power sector and establish a more sustainable funding structure.
Tegbe has, however, maintained that ending the subsidy regime should not be interpreted as an immediate increase in electricity tariffs.
In July, he said the government was seeking to address an estimated ₦3.3 trillion in legacy debt in the power sector while developing mechanisms to protect vulnerable consumers.
The minister has also identified improved electricity supply, wider metering and stronger infrastructure as key priorities of the administration’s power-sector reforms.
The Federal Ministry of Power has separately said the government is pursuing investments aimed at stabilising the national grid and improving the reliability of electricity supply.
Tegbe’s latest assurance means that, for now, consumers should not expect an immediate tariff increase, although the government continues to work on reforms involving electricity subsidies and the financial sustainability of the sector.
The minister said the government would continue working to ensure Nigerians receive better electricity services without imposing additional financial pressure on consumers.
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