By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has announced the commencement of five interconnected mini-grid projects with a combined capacity of 17.7 megawatts in Oyo State, while firmly dismissing reports of any planned increase in electricity tariffs.
Tegbe made the announcement during the groundbreaking ceremony for the projects, which are designed to significantly improve electricity access across communities in the Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda, and Lagelu Local Government Areas.
The projects comprise the Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo Oluwa, and Sooko-Elega interconnected mini-grids, backed by a 17.74-megawatt battery energy storage system. According to the minister, the initiative will boost power supply to homes and businesses, reduce reliance on generators, extend working hours, and foster a more favorable environment for investment and job creation.
He described the project as a key component of the Federal Government’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda to expand electricity access nationwide. He noted that similar interventions, supported by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), have already been executed across Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, and Kaduna states.
The minister acknowledged the contributions of the REA; Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited (the project developer); the World Bank, which provided financing; and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC). He also commended the Oyo State Government, traditional rulers, community leaders, and host communities for their cooperation, while paying tribute to the Olubadan of Ibadanland for his steadfast support toward realizing the project.
Addressing concerns over a potential electricity price hike, Tegbe stated unequivocally that the Federal Government has no plans to increase tariffs, urging Nigerians to disregard the rumors as misinformation. He emphasized that the government’s current priority is achieving 24/7 power supply, starting with three designated energy zones: the Lagos-Ogun corridor, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor, and the Benin-Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor.
Tegbe further disclosed plans to strengthen the national grid along the eastern and western corridors, targeting strategic generation and transmission hubs such as Funtua, Kainji, Gwagwalada, Gombe, Makurdi, Ajaokuta, Ikot Ekpene, Benin, and Egbin. The ultimate objective, he explained, is to extend grid stability nationwide and make round-the-clock electricity a reality for all Nigerians.
Formally flagging off the five mini-grid projects on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the minister expressed confidence that their completion would uplift livelihoods and expand economic opportunities for residents in the beneficiary communities. He highlighted the investment as a prime example of successful collaboration among government, private enterprise, and international development partners in tackling Nigeria’s power sector challenges.
