The Federal Government has unveiled a special Power Force and other interventions to stabilize electricity supply and curb frequent grid collapses nationwide.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ session in Lagos on Friday, Minister of Power Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe said the initiative will deploy 5,000 Nigerian youths for nationwide meter installation.
He explained that the program is designed to close the metering gap and also build a strong, skilled pool of young Nigerians in the electricity sector under the *National Power Training Institute of Nigeria, NAPTIN.
Tegbe added that other interventions include significant progress in resolving the long-standing challenges around meter procurement. He also noted encouraging improvements in electricity generation, with the sector consistently crossing the 5,000MW mark over the last two weeks.
The Minister further ruled out any tariff hike, stating there are no plans to raise electricity rates despite rising operational costs.
“There is no move to increase tariff as reported in some media platforms,” he said. “Through the Presidential Metering Initiative, Nigeria is moving decisively towards universal metering because consumers deserve transparency, fairness and confidence that they only pay for the electricity they actually consume.”
He said the administration has also prioritized investment in transmission infrastructure, expanded rural electrification, strengthened institutional coordination across the electricity value chain, and continues to pursue reforms that encourage private capital while preserving the public interest.
He affirmed Federal Government’s
commitment to improving electricity for Nigerians, having put in place adequate measures to achieve positive results in line with its renewed hope agenda.
He explained that resetting the sector means building decisively upon the unprecedented reforms already initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whilst addressing long-standing structural deficiencies that have prevented the sector from reaching its full potential.
“Our objective is clear. To make
electricity more available, make the grid more reliable, make the market financially sustainable and restore investor confidence. Ultimately, we want to ensure that electricity becomes a catalyst for national productivity rather than a constraint to economic growth,” Tegbe stated.
He further said the current administration has demonstrated strong political commitment to electricity sector reform since the liberalisation of the industry.
He added, “Our ambition is clear. Reliable electricity that powers our homes. Competitive electricity that powers our industries. Sustainable electricity that attracts investment. Inclusive electricity that reaches every Nigerian.”
