Tegbe: Decades-old Challenges Affecting Power Supply — They can’t be Reversed in Weeks

Joseph Tegbe, the newly inaugurated minister of power, says Nigerians should not expect an immediate turnaround in electricity supply due to decades-old challenges in the sector.

Speaking on Monday after being sworn in by President Bola Tinubu at the state house in Abuja, Tegbe said the challenges cannot be resolved within months.

The minister said the federal government is implementing reforms across the electricity value chain and that improvements in power supply would continue to emerge gradually.

He said while early gains are already visible, fixing longstanding problems in generation, transmission and distribution will require sustained effort.

“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 said his team had engaged key agencies and operators across the power sector since his senate confirmation and had developed a reform strategy focused on execution, accountability and measurable outcomes.

“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 also highlighted what he described as early achievements, including the revival of the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia state by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).

According to Tegbe, up to 375 megawatts (MW) from the facility are now available for dispatch to the national grid after the plant remained inactive for three years.

He further said the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) had energised new transmission assets in Abuja, Oyo and Ogun states to strengthen grid capacity and improve reliability.

The minister cited the recent restoration of electricity supply in parts of Abuja within 24 hours after the failure of a 100MVA transformer as evidence of improved responsiveness within the sector.

Tegbe also referenced a recent directive by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) requiring distribution companies to compensate eligible Band A customers affected by supply shortfalls earlier in the year.

According to him, the move demonstrates the government’s commitment to consumer protection and accountability across the electricity value chain.

‘REFORMS TO DELIVER  RELIABLE, AFFORDABLE ELECTRICITY’

Tegbe said the administration remains focused on delivering reliable and affordable electricity but urged Nigerians to be patient as reforms take effect.

“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,” the minister 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.

“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 was nominated as minister of power on April 30.

One week later, he was confirmed by the senate.