Newly sworn-in Power Minister Joseph Tegbe has cautioned Nigerians that a quick fix for the country’s electricity problems is unrealistic, pointing to failures that have accumulated over several decades
. After receiving his portfolio from President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa on Monday, June 8, Tegbe told reporters that the sector’s deep-rooted issues cannot be solved in just a few months.
According to the minister, the federal government is pushing ahead with changes across the entire power chain, but improvements will come in phases rather than all at once. He admitted that some early progress can already be seen, but warned that fixing what is wrong with generation, transmission, and distribution will take persistent work over time.
“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. “I will not promise what I cannot deliver, but I promise visible improvement as you have been seeing, and I will continue to communicate honestly with you every step of the way.”
Tegbe revealed that his team had reached out to major agencies and industry players following his senate confirmation, crafting a reform plan built around execution, responsibility, and trackable results. “I am pleased to say that these organisations have demonstrated remarkable support, alignment and readiness to deliver on the objectives of the sector,” he said.
“We have also held productive discussions with international development organisations and funding partners who have expressed willingness to provide liquidity support to the power sector. This is a significant vote of confidence in the direction of our reforms.”
The minister pointed to what he called early wins, such as the reactivation of the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State through the Niger Delta Power Holding Company. Tegbe noted that up to 375 megawatts from that plant are now ready for grid dispatch after three years of dormancy.
He also mentioned that the Transmission Company of Nigeria had brought new transmission infrastructure online in Abuja, Oyo, and Ogun States to boost grid capacity and dependability. As proof of better responsiveness, he cited the restoration of power to parts of Abuja within 24 hours following the breakdown of a 100MVA transformer.
Tegbe also brought up a recent NERC order compelling distribution companies to compensate eligible Band A customers who faced supply shortfalls earlier this year. He described that move as evidence of the government’s focus on protecting consumers and enforcing accountability. The minister said the administration remains committed to steady and affordable power but asked Nigerians for patience while reforms take hold.
“I will not promise what I cannot deliver, but I promise visible improvement as you have been seeing, and I will continue to communicate honestly with you every step of the way. You will see the progress as it happens,” Tegbe added.
“The destination is clear, reliable and affordable electricity for every Nigerian home, business, and industry, around the clock. That journey is a long one. But under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we are firmly headed in the right direction. We will keep moving. We will keep delivering. And the improvements will keep coming.”
Tegbe’s nomination as power minister came on April 30, and the senate gave its confirmation one week later.
