The Nigerian Government has assured citizens that ongoing efforts to boost power generation and distribution will soon lead to a reduction in electricity tariffs. This promise was made by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, during a meeting in Abuja with the Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund, Mr. Tosin Adeyanju, and his team.
Adelabu highlighted that, despite the perception of high electricity costs, Nigeria’s electricity tariffs are still among the lowest in Africa compared to neighbouring countries like Togo, Mali, and Niger Republic. However, he acknowledged that the low-income levels in Nigeria make the cost of electricity seem burdensome to many consumers.
“It is still far cheaper to use electricity than to run generators, using petrol or diesel, going by the prices of those commodities today,” Adelabu stated, while emphasising that as the country ramps up power generation and distribution, a reduction in tariffs is possible.
The Minister also expressed the government’s commitment to expanding access to electricity in rural areas, especially through renewable energy projects. “We will be very happy to work and partner with you on this project. We have agencies that are driving this renewable power project, using solar, wind and other alternative sources of power supply where the grid cannot reach,” he said, referencing the work of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
Speaking on global energy challenges, Adelabu noted, “All over the world today, we are faced with two basic issues and these are food and energy securities. We can see that the cost of gas is going up globally due partly to the war between Russia and Ukraine”
“However, we must be committed to providing electricity to our rural people, particularly the youths. We can see that even those of them who have learnt skills have abandoned those skills and are now riding okada for quick money”
Adelabu also reassured Nigerians of President Tinubu’s commitment to youth and rural development, urging citizens to remain patient as the government works toward improving their living conditions.
Earlier in the meeting, Mr. Tosin Adeyanju of the National Lottery Trust Fund outlined the agency’s plans to train rural youths in assembling one kilowatt of solar energy. This initiative, he said, aims to tackle youth unemployment and promote skill development in rural communities.
Adeyanju also commended Minister Adelabu for his transformative efforts in the power sector, stating that Nigeria’s electricity supply had improved significantly since he took office. “You have restored confidence in the power sector, and Nigerians are noticing the positive changes,” he added.