The Federal Government has dismissed speculation of an imminent increase in electricity tariffs, insisting that its immediate focus is on improving power supply, expanding metering nationwide and ensuring Nigerians are billed only for the electricity they use.
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, made the clarification on Friday during a media roundtable in Lagos, where he outlined the Federal Government’s roadmap for reforming the nation’s electricity sector.
According to the minister, the current administration has no plans to review electricity tariffs upward in the near future, stressing that enhancing service delivery remains a higher priority than increasing consumer charges.
He explained that the government’s agenda is centred on achieving universal metering, eliminating estimated billing and ensuring transparency in electricity billing across the country.
Tegbe also said the Federal Government would continue to introduce measures aimed at shielding vulnerable electricity consumers while maintaining the financial viability of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
The minister noted that the ongoing reforms are anchored on the implementation of the Electricity Act, which has empowered states to develop electricity markets tailored to their unique economic needs.
He added that the government is advancing plans for a Power Sector Bond to offset outstanding obligations owed to electricity generation companies, gas suppliers and other participants in the power value chain.
Highlighting the importance of the Presidential Metering Initiative, Tegbe said the programme remains a key component of the administration’s strategy to eliminate estimated billing and improve confidence in electricity billing.
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He further announced the launch of the Power Force Initiative, a programme expected to recruit about 5,000 Nigerian youths for nationwide meter installation while equipping them with technical skills through the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria.
The minister disclosed that Nigeria had sustained electricity generation of about 5,000 megawatts over the past two weeks, attributing the improvement to stronger operational coordination, improved power plant performance and enhanced collaboration among operators in the electricity sector.
Despite the progress, Tegbe cautioned that increasing power generation alone would not resolve Nigeria’s electricity challenges, stressing that improvements must also be made in transmission, distribution and market payment systems.
As part of broader reforms, he announced plans for a comprehensive technical audit of the national transmission network, harmonisation of electricity regulation between the federal and state governments, and strategic investments in key transmission corridors, including Lagos, Enugu–Port Harcourt and Abuja–Kaduna–Kano.
He also revealed that the government would implement a Super Grid Programme designed to strengthen the country’s transmission infrastructure and improve the stability of electricity supply.
Expressing optimism about the reform agenda, Tegbe said Nigerians should begin to experience noticeable improvements in electricity supply within the coming months, while more significant gains—including a stronger national grid, reduced technical losses, wider electricity access and improved market efficiency—are expected within the next two to three years.