The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, told reporters in Abuja on Friday that the Bola Tinubu administration has no plan to raise electricity tariffs beyond the current level. “There is no policy by this administration to increase electricity tariffs beyond the current level,” Tegbe said, adding that the government’s priority is not a tariff hike in the immediate term but rather service improvement, universal metering and ensuring Nigerians pay only for the electricity they actually consume.
Tegbe highlighted recent gains in generation capacity, noting that “over the course of the last two weeks, we have consistently generated 5,000 MW.” He said the government’s objective is to provide reliable electricity to homes across the country, adding, “Our ambition is clear: reliable electricity that powers our homes.”
The minister’s remarks come amid a broader debate over a proposed tariff increase that has been championed by President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Power Infrastructure, Sadiq Wanka. The proposed hike has sparked protests from electricity consumers, who argue that any rise would further strain household budgets.
In his briefing, Tegbe reiterated that the government’s focus remains on expanding access and improving service delivery. “We are already witnessing encouraging improvements in electricity generation,” he said, underscoring the steady 5,000 MW output as evidence of progress.
The comments were made as the government continues to push for universal metering, a key component of its strategy to ensure fair billing and reduce losses. By aligning tariffs with actual consumption, the ministry aims to create a more sustainable and equitable electricity market.
While the debate over tariff adjustments continues, Tegbe’s statement signals that the current administration is not moving forward with a blanket increase. Instead, it is concentrating on infrastructure upgrades, generation capacity, and billing reforms to deliver reliable power to Nigerians.
The outcome of this policy debate will shape the future of Nigeria’s electricity sector, affecting millions of households and businesses that rely on a stable power supply. As the government works to balance fiscal responsibility with service delivery, the next steps will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and consumers alike.
