The Federal Government has commenced five interconnected mini-grid projects with a combined capacity of 17.7 megawatts in Oyo State, as Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe dismissed reports of a planned increase in electricity tariffs.
Tegbe announced the projects during a groundbreaking ceremony in the state, saying they would improve electricity supply to communities across Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu local government areas.
The projects, known as the Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo Oluwa and Sooko-elega mini-grids, are supported by a 17.74-megawatt battery energy storage system.
According to the minister, the initiative is expected to provide more reliable electricity for homes and businesses, reduce reliance on petrol and diesel generators, and create opportunities for economic growth and job creation.
He said the projects formed part of the Federal Government’s efforts to expand access to electricity under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tegbe noted that similar interventions, supported by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), had been carried out in communities across Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa and Kaduna states.
He acknowledged the contributions of the REA, Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited, the World Bank and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company to the Oyo projects. He also thanked the state government, traditional rulers and community leaders for their support.
No plan to increase electricity tariffs
The minister also addressed reports of a possible electricity tariff hike, insisting that the Federal Government had no plan to increase tariffs.
He urged Nigerians to disregard the reports, describing them as misinformation, and said the government was focused on improving electricity supply rather than raising charges.
Tegbe said plans were underway to work towards round-the-clock electricity supply, beginning with three proposed energy zones: the Lagos-Ogun corridor, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor, and the Benin-Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor.
He added that the government intended to strengthen the national grid along the eastern and western corridors, with key generation and transmission locations including Funtua, Kainji, Gwagwalada, Gombe, Makurdi, Ajaokuta, Ikot Ekpene, Benin and Egbin.
According to him, the broader plan is to improve the stability and reliability of electricity supply beyond the initial zones and extend the benefits nationwide.
Tegbe formally flagged off the five projects on behalf of President Tinubu, expressing optimism that their completion would improve livelihoods and create more economic opportunities for residents.
He described the initiative as a collaboration between government, private companies and development partners to address Nigeria’s long-standing electricity challenges.
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