New Power Minister Joseph Tegbe Warns of No Quick Fix for Nigeria's Electricity Woes

Nigeria's newly appointed Power Minister, Joseph Tegbe, has cautioned citizens that the country's long-standing electricity challenges cannot be resolved overnight. Speaking to journalists after receiving his portfolio from President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa on Monday, June 8, Tegbe emphasized that the power sector's deep-seated issues, which have accumulated over several decades, will require time and persistent effort to address. The minister noted that while some progress has been made, it is unrealistic to expect a complete turnaround in a short period. '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 stated. Tegbe assured that his team has been working tirelessly to craft a reform plan, focusing on execution, responsibility, and trackable results, since his senate confirmation. He expressed satisfaction with the support and alignment demonstrated by major agencies and industry players, as well as the willingness of international development organizations and funding partners to provide liquidity support to the power sector. The minister highlighted some early achievements, including the reactivation of the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State, which had been dormant for three years, and the introduction of new transmission infrastructure in Abuja, Oyo, and Ogun States by the Transmission Company of Nigeria. Tegbe also cited the swift restoration of power to parts of Abuja within 24 hours after a transformer breakdown and a recent order by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) compelling distribution companies to compensate eligible customers who experienced supply shortfalls earlier in the year. The power minister reiterated the administration's commitment to providing steady and affordable electricity, but appealed for patience as the reforms take hold. '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,' Tegbe added, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is to provide reliable and affordable electricity to every Nigerian home, business, and industry around the clock.