Power Minister Tegbe Promises Visible Improvements as Nigeria’s Electricity Reforms Gain Momentum

 Power Minister Tegbe Promises Visible Improvements as Nigeria’s Electricity Reforms Gain Momentum

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has assured Nigerians of sustained improvements in electricity supply, declaring that his administration is focused on delivering measurable results rather than making unrealistic promises. Speaking shortly after his swearing-in ceremony on Monday, Tegbe highlighted key achievements recorded within weeks of his appointment and outlined his vision for a more reliable and efficient power sector.

The Minister expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the nation's power sector, pledging to serve with honesty, diligence, and accountability.

Addressing journalists after his swearing-in, Tegbe disclosed that since his confirmation by the Senate, the Ministry has developed a structured reform strategy centred on execution, clear milestones, and public accountability.

According to him, extensive consultations have already been held with major institutions across the power value chain, including the Ministry of Power, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET), and FGN Power Company.

He noted that the agencies have demonstrated strong commitment and alignment with the Federal Government’s objectives to improve electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and overall service delivery.

The Minister also revealed that discussions with international development organisations and funding partners have yielded positive responses, with several institutions expressing readiness to provide liquidity support to strengthen the power sector.

Tegbe pointed to several early achievements as evidence of progress already being made. He cited the revival of the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State, which had remained inactive for three years. Through the intervention of NDPHC, up to 375 megawatts of electricity are now available for dispatch to the national grid.

He further highlighted the energisation of new transmission infrastructure by TCN at Katampe in Abuja, as well as substations in Ayede and Abeokuta, projects expected to improve grid stability and increase transmission capacity across key regions.

The Minister also praised the swift response of TCN and Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) following the unexpected failure of a 100MVA transformer in Abuja, noting that power supply was fully restored within 24 hours through coordinated emergency efforts.

On consumer protection, Tegbe welcomed NERC’s recent directive requiring electricity distribution companies to compensate eligible Band A customers affected by service shortfalls earlier in the year.

He described the move as a clear indication that electricity consumers would be protected and that operators would be held accountable for service delivery obligations.

Commending the management and staff of the Ministry of Power and its agencies, the Minister acknowledged their professionalism, dedication, and renewed commitment to improving sector performance.

He also praised private sector stakeholders for their cooperation and willingness to support ongoing reforms, assuring them that excellence and productivity would continue to be recognised under his leadership.

While acknowledging the deep-rooted challenges facing the electricity sector, Tegbe urged Nigerians to remain patient, noting that decades of systemic issues cannot be resolved overnight.

"The challenges that have kept this sector below its potential were decades in the making. They will not be fully reversed in weeks or months," he said.

Reiterating a commitment he made during his Senate screening, the Minister stated that he would continue to communicate honestly with Nigerians and focus on delivering tangible improvements rather than making promises that cannot be fulfilled.

He maintained that the ultimate goal of the Federal Government remains the provision of reliable and affordable electricity to homes, businesses, and industries across the country.

According to him, the journey may be long, but the administration remains committed to achieving that objective under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

"We will keep moving. We will keep delivering. And the improvements will keep coming," the Minister said.