The Federal Government has again ruled out any immediate increase in electricity tariffs, saying its priority is to improve power supply, expand metering and protect vulnerable consumers.
The Minister of Power, Tegbe, stated this while speaking with journalists after commissioning a 3MW captive solar hybrid power project at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja.
“There are no immediate plans to increase electricity tariffs. Our goal is to build a commercially viable power sector while protecting vulnerable consumers,” the minister said.
Tegbe said the government was focused on improving service delivery, strengthening the reliability of the national grid and accelerating universal metering under the Presidential Metering Initiative.
According to him, increased metering would ensure that consumers are billed based on actual electricity consumption.
He disclosed that power generation had stabilised at around 5,000 megawatts in recent weeks, adding that the government was also working to improve grid reliability, address legacy debts and attract fresh investment into the sector.
The minister’s clarification comes amid renewed concerns over a possible electricity tariff increase following discussions around the future of electricity subsidies.
Tegbe, however, stressed that tariff increases were not an immediate consideration, saying the government was concentrating on improving electricity services and rebuilding consumer confidence.
He said the administration would continue to examine reforms to the electricity subsidy framework while taking into account the needs of vulnerable consumers.
Solar Project Cuts Diesel Dependence
The newly commissioned solar hybrid project at Yakubu Gowon University is expected to provide more stable and cleaner electricity to the university community of about 58,726 students.
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.
It is also supported by dedicated grid supply during periods when solar generation is unavailable.
The project includes 388 solar-powered street lights installed across the campus to improve visibility and security for students and staff after dark.
Tegbe said the project demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the reliability and quality of electricity supply while pursuing reforms aimed at creating a sustainable power sector.
He said the government was addressing the structural and financial challenges facing the electricity industry while seeking greater efficiency and accountability across the value chain.
The minister reiterated that universal metering remained a major priority, saying it would improve billing transparency and ensure consumers pay for electricity based on measured consumption.
He said the broader objective was to build a financially sustainable and investment-friendly electricity market capable of supporting infrastructure development, improving generation and distribution, and delivering more reliable power to households, businesses and public institutions.
