The Nigerian Government has reassured citizens that the ongoing efforts to improve electricity generation and distribution will soon result in lower electricity tariffs across the country. The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, made this statement during a courtesy visit by the Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund, Mr. Tosin Adeyanju, and his management team in Abuja.
Adelabu emphasized that Nigeria’s electricity rates remain the lowest in comparison to other African countries such as Togo, Mali, and Niger Republic. However, he acknowledged the strain on consumers, noting, “The low level of income in Nigeria makes the cost look high to consumers.” He added that as the government ramps up power generation and distribution, the possibility of tariff reductions becomes more likely.
In addressing the growing complaints about high electricity costs, particularly following the 2024 tariff increases imposed by electricity distribution companies, Adelabu pointed out that the current Band A customers, who enjoy at least 20 hours of electricity daily, pay N209.5 per kilowatt-hour. Despite these increases, he assured that using electricity is still more economical than relying on fuel-powered generators. “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.
The Minister reiterated his ministry’s commitment to renewable energy projects aimed at serving areas that are not covered by the national grid. “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. Such agency is our Rural Electricity Agency (REA), and they will be of great value to you in this project,” he said.
Addressing the importance of renewable energy, Adelabu remarked, “Renewable energy is the future, especially for communities without reliable access to the national grid. Through solar and wind power, we can bring sustainable energy to rural areas, reducing reliance on costly and environmentally damaging alternatives like generators.” He added, “The renewable power project is essential to achieving energy security, especially in rural areas.”
Mr. Tosin Adeyanju, Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund, commended the Minister’s performance and expressed his eagerness to collaborate on renewable energy training for Nigerian youths. “We have come to you to seek partnership on how we can train our rural people, particularly the youths, on how they can assemble one kilowatt of solar energy. This will go a long way in addressing youth restiveness by creating employment for them,” Adeyanju said.
He praised Adelabu for his commitment to improving electricity supply, stating, “Permit me to address you as a performing Minister of Power, because since 1999, we have not witnessed the improvement that we have in the electricity supply in the country, as we have today.”
Adelabu reiterated the government’s focus on providing energy security and emphasized the need to leverage renewable energy as part of Nigeria’s broader energy strategy. “All over the world today, we are faced with two basic issues—food and energy security. We must address these challenges by continuing to invest in renewable energy solutions, especially in areas not covered by the national grid,” he concluded.
