On Thursday in Ibadan, the Minister of Power [Joseph Tegbe](https://www.power.gov.ng) announced that the [Federal Government](https://www.nigeria.gov.ng) has no plan to raise electricity tariffs and simultaneously flagged off a 17.7 MW hybrid solar mini‑grid equipped with a 17.74 MW battery energy storage system for several communities in Oyo State.
**What did the minister say about tariffs?**
He described circulating social‑media posts about a tariff increase as misinformation, stating, “I want to say this clearly and without ambiguity: there is no plan to increase electricity tariffs. What we are planning is a power sector that works round the clock.”
**Where will the mini‑grid operate?**
The new installation will serve households and businesses in the Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu Local Government Areas. By linking the mini‑grid to existing distribution networks, the project is expected to cut reliance on diesel generators, improve investment conditions and create jobs in the beneficiary zones.
**Who are the partners behind the project?**
Tegbe thanked President Bola Tinubu for his leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Olubadan of Ibadanland for his support, and the collaborative efforts of the [Rural Electrification Agency](https://rea.gov.ng), Paras Energy, the World Bank, the [Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company](https://ibedc.ng) and the Oyo State Government.
**What capacity will each community receive?**
According to the REA Managing Director Abba Abubakar‑Aliyu, the allocation is as follows: 1.8 MW for Bola (Akinyele LGA), 3.5 MW for Jiboye (Ido LGA), 6.9 MW for Molade (Ibadan North LGA), 3.6 MW for Ogo‑Oluwa (Egbeda LGA) and 1.9 MW for Sooko (Lagelu LGA).
**How many customers will benefit?**
IBEDC Managing Director/CEO Mr. Deolu Ijose said the mini‑grid will provide electricity to 22,597 customers across five clusters: Bola, Jiboye, Molade‑Adelubi, Ogo‑Oluwa and Sooko‑Elega. The system, developed by Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited, will generate 17.7 MWp of solar PV power backed by battery storage, using IBEDC’s existing distribution infrastructure for delivery.
**What does the minister say about the national grid?**
Tegbe outlined the government’s vision of three Energy Zones – Lagos‑Ogun, Abuja‑Kaduna‑Kano and Benin‑Enugu‑Port Harcourt – to create a stable, 24/7 power supply across the country. He emphasized that the FG intends to expand and upgrade the national grid along these corridors to bring uninterrupted electricity to every part of Nigeria.
**What are the broader state‑level initiatives?**
Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources Prof. Dahud Shangodoyin, reiterated Oyo State’s commitment to practical electricity interventions, including an 11 MW Hybrid Independent Power Project for the state secretariat and other strategic facilities. Makinde noted that the first 5 MW phase was commissioned in 2024 and stressed that a mix of technologies – solar, mini‑grids, private‑sector generation and distribution – is essential to meet diverse energy needs.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, praised the inclusion of rural and underserved communities in the power reforms and urged the state government to accelerate the completion of its hybrid power project before 2027 so residents can enjoy regular electricity supply.
Overall, the launch signals a coordinated effort between federal and state agencies, private developers and international partners to deliver reliable, affordable power without resorting to tariff hikes.