Nigeria’s newly inaugurated Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has urged Nigerians not to expect an immediate solution to the country’s electricity challenges, saying the problems affecting the sector have built up over several decades and cannot be fixed overnight.
Speaking shortly after being sworn in by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, Tegbe said the Federal Government is already implementing reforms across the power sector but stressed that meaningful and lasting results will take time.
According to him, the challenges facing electricity generation, transmission and distribution were not created in a few months and should not be expected to disappear within weeks.
“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,” Tegbe said.
The minister promised Nigerians transparency and honest communication, insisting that he would not make unrealistic promises simply to please the public.
“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,” he added.
Tegbe revealed that since his confirmation by the Senate, he has held meetings with major stakeholders across the electricity value chain and developed a reform strategy focused on accountability, execution and measurable results.
He said power sector agencies, operators and industry players have shown readiness to support the government’s plans to improve electricity supply nationwide.
The minister also disclosed that international development partners and funding organisations have expressed willingness to provide financial support to strengthen the sector.
“We have held productive discussions with international development organisations and funding partners who have expressed willingness to provide liquidity support to the power sector,” he said.
Highlighting some early achievements, Tegbe pointed to the revival of the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State, which had remained inactive for about three years.
According to him, up to 375 megawatts from the facility are now available for transmission into the national grid.
He also noted that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) recently energised new transmission infrastructure in Abuja, Ogun and Oyo states to improve grid stability and electricity delivery.
The minister further cited the quick restoration of power to parts of Abuja after a major transformer failure as evidence that the sector is becoming more responsive.
Tegbe also praised the recent directive by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) ordering electricity distribution companies to compensate eligible Band A customers affected by service shortfalls.
According to him, the move demonstrates the government’s commitment to consumer protection and accountability.
Despite acknowledging the scale of the challenges, the minister maintained that the Tinubu administration remains committed to achieving reliable and affordable electricity for Nigerians.
“The destination is clear — reliable and affordable electricity for every Nigerian home, business and industry, around the clock,” he said.
“We will keep moving. We will keep delivering. And the improvements will keep coming.”
Tegbe was nominated as Minister of Power by President Tinubu in April and later confirmed by the Senate before officially assuming office.
