Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has cautioned Nigerians against expecting an immediate transformation in electricity supply, saying the sector’s difficulties are the result of problems that have accumulated over many years.
Speaking after his inauguration in Abuja, Tegbe, on Monday, said the government is pursuing reforms across generation, transmission, and distribution, but acknowledged that the process would take time to produce nationwide results.
“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.
The minister added that his team has been engaging power sector agencies and operators since his confirmation and has developed a strategy centred on execution, accountability, and measurable outcomes. He added that development finance institutions and funding partners have indicated a willingness to support the sector financially, which he described as a vote of confidence in the reform agenda.
Tegbe highlighted a number of developments that he said demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving the power sector. Among them is the revival of the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, with about 375 megawatts now available for dispatch to the national grid after years of inactivity. He also pointed to the commissioning of new transmission infrastructure in Abuja, Oyo, and Ogun states aimed at strengthening grid capacity and improving electricity delivery.
The minister also cited the restoration of power supply to affected parts of Abuja within 24 hours after the failure of a major transformer, describing it as evidence of a more responsive approach to addressing system disruptions.
Tegbe referenced the directive issued by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which requires electricity distribution companies to compensate eligible Band A customers who experienced service shortfalls earlier in the year.
He said the administration remains committed to achieving reliable and affordable electricity for households, businesses, and industries nationwide. However, he stressed that sustained effort will be required before the benefits of the reforms are fully realized.
“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,” the minister said. EFA
