The Federal Government has ruled out any immediate increase in electricity tariffs, saying it is focused on improving power supply rather than raising electricity costs for consumers.

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, made this known on Monday in Abuja during a media briefing to mark his first 100 days in office.

Tegbe said he received several enquiries over the weekend following reports that the government was considering another upward review of electricity tariffs.

He dismissed the reports, saying the administration’s priority is to address the challenges affecting electricity supply and strengthen the power sector.

The minister said the government was exploring renewable energy options while carrying out a comprehensive assessment of power infrastructure across the country.

According to him, the exercise is aimed at identifying major weaknesses in the electricity system and determining where interventions are most urgently required.

Tegbe said the challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector cut across the entire electricity value chain, making it difficult to resolve the problems by simply increasing electricity generation.

His comments come as the electricity market continues to face questions over its financial sustainability and the level of government support required to keep the sector operating.

The minister’s clarification is expected to ease concerns among electricity consumers following reports of a possible tariff increase.

The Federal Government, he said, remains focused on finding solutions that will improve electricity supply and address infrastructure gaps across the country.