The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that there are no immediate plans to increase electricity tariffs, stating that its current focus is on improving power supply, expanding access to electricity meters, and ensuring consumers are billed only for the energy they actually use.
The assurance was given by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, during a media roundtable on the reform of Nigeria’s power sector held in Lagos. Addressing growing public concerns over a possible tariff hike, the minister emphasized that improving electricity service delivery remains the government’s top priority rather than increasing the cost of electricity.
According to Tegbe, the administration is committed to delivering a more reliable and transparent electricity system by accelerating universal metering and eliminating estimated billing, a long-standing concern for millions of electricity consumers across the country.
He explained that while the government remains focused on strengthening the financial sustainability of Nigeria’s electricity market, it also intends to introduce additional measures that will protect vulnerable consumers from economic hardship. The reforms, he said, are designed to balance affordability with the long-term stability of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.
The minister noted that the government’s broader strategy is anchored on the implementation of the Electricity Act, which has opened the door for individual states to develop electricity markets tailored to their specific economic and energy needs. He also disclosed that the Federal Government is advancing a Power Sector Bond initiative aimed at clearing outstanding obligations owed to electricity generation companies, gas suppliers, and other participants within the power value chain.
A major component of the reform agenda is the Presidential Metering Initiative, which seeks to achieve nationwide metering coverage. The programme is expected to significantly reduce estimated billing while improving transparency and consumer confidence in electricity billing.
In addition, Tegbe announced the launch of the Power Force Initiative, a programme that will engage 5,000 young Nigerians in the installation of electricity meters across the country. Beyond expanding metering, the initiative will provide technical training through the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria, helping to develop a new generation of skilled professionals for the power sector.
The minister also revealed that Nigeria has consistently generated approximately 5,000 megawatts of electricity over the past two weeks. He attributed the improvement to better operational coordination, increased availability of power plants, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders across the electricity value chain.
Despite the progress, Tegbe cautioned that increasing electricity generation alone will not resolve the country’s longstanding power challenges. He stressed that meaningful transformation will require simultaneous improvements in electricity generation, transmission infrastructure, distribution networks, and market payment systems.
As part of the next phase of reforms, the Federal Government plans to carry out a comprehensive technical audit of the national transmission network while working to harmonize electricity regulations between federal and state governments. The administration also intends to invest in critical transmission corridors, including the Lagos, Enugu–Port Harcourt, and Abuja–Kaduna–Kano routes, alongside the implementation of a proposed Super Grid Programme to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity transmission backbone.
Expressing optimism about the ongoing reforms, Tegbe said Nigerians should begin to notice measurable improvements in electricity supply within the coming months. Over the next two to three years, he expects the country to achieve a stronger national grid, reduced technical losses, improved market discipline, wider electricity access, and greater operational efficiency across the power sector.
The Federal Government’s latest assurance is expected to provide temporary relief for electricity consumers who have expressed concerns over rising living costs. By prioritizing improved service delivery, universal metering, and infrastructure development ahead of tariff adjustments, the administration says it aims to build a more reliable, transparent, and sustainable electricity sector for Nigerians.
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