Joseph Tegbe, Nigeria’s new Minister of Power, has cautioned Nigerians against expecting an instant improvement in the country’s energy supply, stating that the problems facing the industry are the consequence of decades of disregard and cannot be fixed in a matter of months.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja following President Bola Tinubu’s inauguration, Tegbe recognized customer annoyance but insisted that continuous changes are starting to show dividends throughout the electrical value chain.
His comments coincide with the fact that, despite several government initiatives and large investments in the industry, homes and businesses are still struggling with unstable power supplies.
According to Tegbe, the administration is concentrating on resolving fundamental flaws in power generation, transmission, and distribution. He emphasized that significant and long-lasting improvements will necessitate perseverance, consistent policy implementation, and continued investment.
The problems that have prevented this industry from reaching its full potential have existed for decades. The minister stated, “They won’t be completely reversed in weeks or months.”
“I promise visible improvement as you have been seeing, and I will continue to communicate honestly with you every step of the way,” he continued. “I will not promise what I cannot deliver.”
The minister disclosed that after being confirmed by the Senate, he has consulted with key players in the power industry and created a plan to boost accountability, enhance execution, and provide quantifiable outcomes.
He claims that while talks with international development partners have created new avenues for financial support, industry operators and agencies have shown a willingness to support the government’s goals.
Additionally, we have had fruitful conversations with finance partners and foreign development organizations that have indicated a desire to support the power industry with cash. Tegbe stated, “This is an important vote of confidence in the direction of our reforms.”
The minister cited recent advances in the industry to bolster his optimism. Among these is the Niger Delta Power Holding Company’s revitalization of the 450 megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State following three years of dormancy. He stated that the plant can now transmit up to 375 megawatts to the national grid.
Additionally, he mentioned the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s energization of new transmission facilities in the states of Abuja, Oyo, and Ogun, characterizing the projects as crucial steps toward enhancing grid stability and lowering network bottlenecks.
Tegbe also mentioned how areas of Abuja had their energy supply restored in less than a day after a 100MVA transformer failed. He said that this prompt action demonstrated the sector’s increased operational efficiency.
Regarding consumer protection, the minister emphasized the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s recent order mandating distribution companies to reimburse qualified Band A customers impacted by supply shortages earlier this year.
He claims that while reforms are ongoing, the decision shows the government’s commitment to upholding accountability and safeguarding consumers.
Tegbe emphasized that the Tinubu administration is still dedicated to increasing access to dependable electricity and building a power sector that can sustain economic expansion, industrial development, and job creation despite the difficulties that lie ahead.
“Every Nigerian home, business, and industry needs affordable, dependable electricity that is available around-the-clock,” he stated.
“That’s a long haul. However, we are definitely moving in the right direction under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. We will not stop moving. We will continue to provide. And the advancements will continue to occur.
On April 30, President Tinubu nominated Tegbe as minister of power, and a week later, the Senate approved his nomination. His nomination puts him at the forefront of one of the administration’s most important reform initiatives, and there are strong hopes that long-term gains in the supply of energy will boost investor confidence and enable more extensive economic expansion.
