Ibadan:The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, announced that the Federal Government has no intention to raise electricity tariffs, countering rumors circulating on social media. He made this statement while inaugurating a 17.7MW hybrid solar mini-grid project in Ibadan, Oyo State, which also includes a 17.74MW Battery Energy Storage System.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the minister emphasized that there are no plans for a tariff increase and reassured that the government is focused on ensuring a reliable power sector. Tegbe highlighted the government’s commitment to regular power supply, starting with the development of three Energy Zones the Lagos-Ogun corridor, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor, and the Benin-Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor.
The new mini-grid project is set to benefit communities across Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda, and Lagelu Local Government Areas in Oyo State. It aims to enhance electricity supply, reduce reliance on generators, and create favorable conditions for investment and employment in these areas.
Tegbe praised President Bola Tinubu for his leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda and acknowledged the support of the Olubadan of Ibadanland and other partners, including the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Paras Energy, the World Bank, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), and the Oyo State Government.
Mr. Deolu Ijose, Managing Director and CEO of IBEDC, stated that the mini-grid project would provide electricity to over 22,000 customers in five communities. Developed by Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited, the project will utilize IBEDC’s existing infrastructure for electricity distribution.
The MD/CEO of REA, Abba Abubakar-Aliyu, detailed the project’s scope, which includes various megawatt allocations for different communities within the LGAs.
Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by Prof. Dahud Shangodoyin, reiterated the Oyo State Government’s commitment to practical electricity interventions, including their ongoing Hybrid Independent Power Project. The governor encouraged the project’s developers and implementing institutions to adhere to construction standards and regulations.