Minister of Power Dismisses Tariff Hike Rumors, Unveils Massive Mini-Grid Projects in Oyo
IBADAN — Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has officially dismissed widespread reports suggesting that the Federal Government is planning an imminent increase in electricity tariffs. Speaking on Thursday in Ibadan, Oyo State, the Minister moved to quell public anxiety, explicitly stating that no such policy changes are on the horizon.
“I want to say this clearly and without ambiguity: there is no plan to increase electricity tariffs,” Tegbe declared during the groundbreaking ceremony for a series of transformative energy infrastructure projects. “What we are planning is a power sector that works around the clock. Our commitment is 24/7 power.”
The Minister urged citizens to disregard misinformation circulating regarding the cost of electricity, emphasizing that the government’s primary focus remains on improving grid reliability and expanding access to energy.
Tegbe’s comments came as he presided over the groundbreaking for five interconnected mini-grid projects. These facilities, which boast a combined capacity of 17.7 megawatts and are supported by a 17.74-megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), represent a significant shift toward decentralized power generation. The projects, located in Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo Oluwa, and Sooko-Elega, are strategically positioned to serve various communities across the Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda, and Lagelu Local Government Areas.
While clarifying the current tariff status, the Minister also addressed long-term policy shifts within the sector. He acknowledged the previously announced government roadmap which intends to phase out electricity subsidies by 2027. However, he moved to soften the impact of that disclosure, assuring Nigerians that the eventual transition away from subsidies would be managed in a way that does not unfairly burden consumers or deprive them of the benefits of a functional power sector.
The introduction of the new mini-grids is viewed as a vital step in the government’s broader strategy to stabilize power supply. By integrating Battery Energy Storage Systems, these projects provide a buffer that ensures consistent supply even when demand spikes or grid instability occurs.
The Minister’s appearance in Ibadan serves as a direct effort to restore public confidence in the administration’s energy agenda. By focusing on tangible infrastructure development rather than price adjustments, the Ministry of Power aims to shift the national narrative from cost concerns to the actual delivery of reliable electricity.
As the projects break ground in Oyo State, the Federal Government maintains that its immediate priority is not the adjustment of rates, but the implementation of sustainable solutions designed to meet the growing energy demands of Nigeria’s population. The Ministry of Power continues to call on stakeholders to support these initiatives, which are billed to serve as the backbone for regional economic growth in the coming years.
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