Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has said the federal government is already recording measurable improvements in the electricity sector, barely weeks after his appointment, as efforts intensify to deliver reliable and affordable power to Nigerians.
Speaking on the progress made since his confirmation by the Senate, Tegbe expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to serve the country with honesty, diligence, and accountability.
The minister disclosed that his administration had developed a structured power sector reform strategy focused on execution, measurable milestones, and public accountability. He noted that extensive engagements had been held with key agencies and stakeholders, including the Ministry of Power, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET), and FGN Power Company.
According to him, development partners and international funding agencies have also shown readiness to support the sector with liquidity interventions, describing the development as a strong endorsement of the government’s reform agenda.
Highlighting early achievements, Tegbe revealed that the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State, which had been dormant for three years, has been revived by NDPHC, with up to 375 megawatts now available for dispatch to the national grid.
He further stated that TCN recently energized new transmission infrastructure at Katampe in Abuja as well as substations in Ayede and Abeokuta, boosting grid capacity across several regions of the country.
The minister also cited the swift restoration of electricity supply in Abuja following the unexpected failure of a 100MVA transformer, noting that TCN and Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) personnel worked overnight to restore power within 24 hours.
On consumer protection, Tegbe referenced NERC’s directive requiring electricity distribution companies to compensate Band A customers for service shortfalls recorded earlier in the year, describing the move as evidence of government’s commitment to holding operators accountable.
He commended the management and staff of the Ministry of Power and its agencies for their professionalism and renewed commitment, while also praising private sector operators for their cooperation and willingness to support sector reforms.
Addressing Nigerians, the minister appealed for patience, acknowledging that the challenges facing the power sector had accumulated over decades and could not be resolved within a few months.
“I will not promise what I cannot deliver, but I promise visible improvement, and I will continue to communicate honestly with Nigerians every step of the way,” he said.
Tegbe reiterated that the government’s ultimate objective remains the provision of reliable and affordable electricity to homes, businesses, and industries nationwide, adding that the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is steadily driving the sector toward that goal.
“The destination is clear reliable and affordable electricity for every Nigerian. We will keep moving, we will keep delivering, and the improvements will keep coming,” he stated.
