By Joycelyn Ellakeche Adah
The Federal Government has commenced five interconnected mini-grid projects with a combined capacity of 17.7 megawatts in Oyo State, as the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, ruled out plans to increase electricity tariffs.
Tegbe announced this during the groundbreaking ceremony for the projects, which are expected to improve electricity supply to communities in Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu Local Government Areas.
The projects, known as the Bola, Jiboye, Molade Adelubi, Ogo Oluwa and Sooko – Elega interconnected mini grids, include a 17.74 megawatt battery energy storage system designed to support electricity supply.
According to the minister, the initiative would improve access to electricity for households and businesses, reduce dependence on generators and create opportunities for investment and job creation.
He said the projects formed part of the Federal Government’s efforts to expand electricity access across the country, citing similar interventions in Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa and Kaduna states, supported by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
Tegbe acknowledged the contributions of the REA, Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited, the World Bank and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company to the project.
He also commended the Oyo State Government, traditional rulers, community leaders and host communities for their support.
Addressing reports of a possible electricity tariff increase, the minister said the Federal Government had no plan to raise tariffs and urged Nigerians to disregard the reports.
He said the government was instead prioritising efforts to achieve round the clock electricity supply through three proposed energy zones covering the Lagos – Ogun corridor, the Abuja- Kaduna – Kano corridor and the Benin – Enugu – Port Harcourt corridor.
Tegbe also disclosed plans to strengthen the national grid across the eastern and western corridors, identifying Funtua, Kainji, Gwagwalada, Gombe, Makurdi, Ajaokuta, Ikot Ekpene, Benin and Egbin as strategic locations in the broader effort to improve generation, transmission and grid stability.
He said the objective was to extend reliable electricity supply beyond the initial energy zones and make 24hour power supply achievable nationwide.
The minister formally flagged off the projects on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing optimism that their completion would improve livelihoods and expand economic opportunities in the beneficiary communities.
He described the initiative as an example of collaboration between government, private investors and development partners to address Nigeria’s electricity challenges.
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