Challenges Affecting Power Supply In Nigeria Can’t Be Reversed In Months, Says New Minister

The newly appointed minister of power, Joseph Tegbe, has appealed for patience from Nigerians, saying the country’s long-standing electricity challenges cannot be resolved within a few months.

Speaking shortly after his swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, Tegbe acknowledged the deep-rooted nature of the problems confronting the power sector, noting that decades of underperformance and infrastructure deficits require sustained intervention rather than quick fixes.

According to him, while the government has begun implementing reforms across the electricity value chain and some positive results are already emerging, a complete turnaround will take 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,” the minister said.

He stressed that his administration would prioritise transparency and realistic expectations, promising Nigerians steady and measurable progress rather than unattainable promises.

“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 stated.

The minister disclosed that since his confirmation by the Senate, he had engaged extensively with agencies, operators and stakeholders within the power industry to develop a reform agenda centred on execution, accountability and measurable outcomes.

He expressed confidence in the readiness of key institutions within the sector to support the government’s objectives.

“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.

Tegbe also revealed that discussions with international development partners and financial institutions had yielded positive signals, with several organisations indicating their willingness to provide liquidity support to strengthen the sector.

“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 added.

Highlighting recent developments, the minister pointed to the revival of the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), describing it as a major milestone. He noted that up to 375 megawatts from the facility are now available for transmission to the national grid after the plant remained dormant for about three years.

He further cited ongoing efforts by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), including the energisation of new transmission infrastructure in Abuja, Oyo and Ogun states, aimed at boosting grid stability and expanding electricity delivery capacity.

Tegbe also referenced the swift restoration of power to affected areas of the Federal Capital Territory following the failure of a 100MVA transformer, noting that electricity was restored within 24 hours. He described the response as evidence of growing efficiency and improved coordination within the sector.

On consumer protection, the minister praised the recent directive by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) compelling electricity distribution companies to compensate eligible Band A customers who experienced service shortfalls earlier in the year.

According to him, the action underscores the government’s commitment to accountability and ensuring that consumers receive value for the services they pay for.

Reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to delivering stable and affordable electricity nationwide, Tegbe maintained that the government remains focused on long-term reforms that will ultimately transform the sector.

“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.”