The Nigerian Government has commenced the development of five interconnected mini-grid projects with a combined capacity of 17.7 megawatts in Oyo State, while ruling out plans to increase electricity tariffs.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, announced this at the groundbreaking ceremony for the projects, which will serve communities across Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu Local Government Areas of the state.
The projects, known as Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo Oluwa and Sooko-Elega, are supported by a 17.74-megawatt battery energy storage system designed to improve electricity supply and reliability.
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Tegbe said the projects would improve electricity access for households and businesses, reduce dependence on generators, support economic activities and create opportunities for investment and employment.
He attributed the initiative to collaboration among the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited, the World Bank, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, the Oyo State Government and host communities.
On electricity tariffs, the minister dismissed reports of an impending increase, insisting that the Nigerian Government had no plans to raise electricity prices.
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, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor, and Benin-Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor.
Tegbe added that plans were underway to strengthen the national grid across key generation and transmission locations, including Kainji, Gwagwalada, Gombe, Makurdi, Ajaokuta, Ikot Ekpene, Benin and Egbin.
The minister, who flagged off the projects on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressed optimism that their completion would improve livelihoods and expand economic opportunities in the beneficiary communities.
