The Federal Government of Nigeria has assured citizens that there are no plans to increase electricity tariffs. Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, made this statement during a media parley in Abuja, marking his first 100 days in office. Tegbe emphasized the government's focus on improving electricity supply and strengthening the power sector's financial and physical foundations.
Tegbe identified several constraints across the electricity value chain, including limited gas supply, ageing generation equipment, and vandalized transmission infrastructure. He noted that distribution companies were experiencing significant technical, commercial, and collection losses. The minister stated that these challenges created a cycle of unpaid bills, weak supply, and rising debt.
The Minister of Power outlined the government's efforts to address these challenges. During his first 100 days, the government restored the 375MW Alaoji open-cycle power plant to the national grid after three years offline. Additionally, new transformers were commissioned in Lagos, unlocking 672MW of transmission capacity. A new 300MVA transformer at Katampe, Abuja, also unlocked 240MW.
According to Tegbe, operational records showed that generation and transmission had risen above 5,000MW in the weeks preceding the media parley. Generation peaked at 5,330MW in August and September. However, Tegbe acknowledged that national progress might not reflect individual community experiences, with some areas still experiencing unreliable power supply.
On the financial side, the government has raised an estimated N1.23 trillion to address part of the N3.3 trillion power sector debt backlog. Tegbe also disclosed that about 350,000 electricity meters were installed during the first 100 days, taking cumulative installations to 1,004,260 as of August 2026.
The government plans to focus on stabilizing transmission corridors and beginning work on a Transmission Super Grid. Technical audits have commenced along the Lagos and Abuja corridors. The government will report progress over the next six months based on supply reliability, billing accuracy, and the resolution of faults and complaints.
Meanwhile, Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man, has announced plans to invest over $10 billion in the power sector to help address Africa's electricity deficit. Dangote emphasized that access to reliable electricity was critical to economic growth and development across the continent. He aims to drive a major transformation in Africa over the next three to four years.
Key points
- The Nigerian government has raised N1.23 trillion to address part of the N3.3 trillion power sector debt backlog.
- The government has no plan to increase electricity tariffs, focusing instead on improving supply and sector foundations.
- Aliko Dangote plans to invest over $10 billion in Africa's power sector to address the continent's electricity deficit.
