Minister Joseph Tegbe Confirms Unreliable Electricity Persists for Many Nigerians

Nigeria's Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has openly acknowledged that a significant portion of the country's population still struggles with inconsistent electricity supply, despite ongoing federal government initiatives aimed at boosting power generation and distribution. Speaking via his X handle on Tuesday, Tegbe articulated his empathy for Nigerians who have not yet experienced the anticipated improvements in the power sector since his appointment three months prior.

The Minister explained that his administration has primarily focused on diagnosing and resolving long-standing issues within the sector. Key among these efforts was the successful restoration of the 375-megawatt Alaoji power plant, which had been non-operational for three years. "We spent much of this period on diagnosis and repair; restoring the 375MW Alaoji plant after three years offline, unlocking transmission capacity in Lagos, Abuja and other places, mobilising funds toward a debt burden that has quietly undermined this sector for years," Tegbe stated.

Furthermore, the government has facilitated the deployment of over 350,000 electricity meters. This achievement followed the resolution of a complex legal issue involving the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors and Manufacturers of Nigeria.

However, Tegbe candidly admitted that these measures have yet to translate into dependable electricity for a large number of Nigerians. He elaborated, "Admittedly, many Nigerians are still without reliable power, and I understand the frustration of hearing about progress you haven’t personally felt yet. I’m not going to pretend that away."

He emphasized that rectifying the challenges in the power sector demands considerable time and sustained reforms, cautioning against making promises of quick, unsustainable solutions.

Regarding tariffs, the minister explicitly stated there are no current plans to increase electricity tariffs, assuring the public that his stance is not politically motivated. "To be clear: there’s no plan to raise tariffs, and this is no political statement," he affirmed.

Tegbe reiterated his commitment to enhancing grid stability, ensuring more reliable electricity supply, improving billing accuracy, and expediting the resolution of consumer complaints. He extended gratitude to the dedicated officials working in the sector under difficult circumstances and to Nigerians for their continued engagement on the pressing issues affecting electricity provision. Concluding his statement, he remarked, "We’re not there yet, but we’re moving."