Power challenges built over decades cannot disappear in months, says Tegbe

MINISTRY of Power, Dr Joseph Tegbe, says Nigerians should not expect an overnight transformation in electricity supply, noting that the sector’s problems have accumulated over several decades.

Speaking on Monday after his swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, Tegbe said reforms already underway would deliver gradual improvements across the power sector.

He explained that while there are early signs of progress, longstanding issues affecting electricity generation, transmission and distribution require sustained interventions and consistent execution.

“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,” the minister said.

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“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 said his team had, since his Senate confirmation, met with key agencies and operators within the electricity industry and developed a reform agenda centred on accountability, implementation and measurable results.

According to him, stakeholders across the sector have shown readiness to support the administration’s objectives.

“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,” he said.

The minister highlighted some of the government’s recent achievements, including the revival of the 450MW Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).

He said about 375MW from the facility is now available for dispatch to the national grid after the plant remained inactive for 3 years.

Tegbe also said the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) recently energised new transmission infrastructure in Abuja, Oyo and Ogun states as part of efforts to improve grid reliability and capacity.

He pointed to the restoration of power in parts of Abuja within 24 hours after the collapse of a 100MVA transformer as evidence of improved response time within the sector.

The minister further referenced a directive issued by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which ordered distribution companies to compensate eligible Band A customers affected by supply shortfalls earlier in the year.

According to him, the directive reflects the government’s commitment to accountability and consumer protection in the electricity value chain.

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Tegbe reiterated that the Tinubu administration remains committed to achieving reliable and affordable electricity nationwide, although he stressed that the process would take time.

“The destination is clear — reliable and affordable electricity for every Nigerian home, business and industry, around the clock,” he said.

“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.”