Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has outlined early achievements recorded in the nation’s power sector since assuming office, while reaffirming his commitment to delivering reliable and affordable electricity to Nigerians.
Speaking one week after his Senate confirmation, Tegbe expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to serve the country with integrity, diligence, and accountability.
According to the minister, the Federal Ministry of Power has immediately commenced the implementation of a structured reform strategy centered on execution, discipline, measurable milestones, and public accountability. He disclosed that extensive engagements have been held with the ministry’s management, key agencies within the power sector, and other stakeholders to align efforts toward achieving the government’s objectives.
Tegbe also revealed that discussions with international organizations, development partners, and funding agencies have yielded positive outcomes, with several partners expressing readiness to support Nigeria’s power sector transformation efforts.
Among the notable achievements highlighted by the minister is the revival of the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State. The facility, which had remained inactive for three years, has been restored by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), with approximately 375 megawatts now available for transmission to the national grid.
He further disclosed that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has energized new transmission infrastructure at Katampe in Abuja, as well as substations in Ayede and Abeokuta, a move expected to strengthen grid capacity and improve electricity supply across several regions of the country.
In another demonstration of improved operational responsiveness, Tegbe noted that when a 100MVA transformer unexpectedly failed in Abuja, engineers from TCN and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) worked throughout the night to restore power within 24 hours.
The minister also pointed to recent regulatory action by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which directed electricity distribution companies to compensate Band A customers affected by supply shortfalls earlier in the year. He described the decision as evidence of the government’s commitment to protecting consumers and enforcing accountability among operators.
Commending the staff and management of the Federal Ministry of Power and its agencies, Tegbe praised their professionalism, dedication, and collaborative spirit, which he said have contributed significantly to the early progress being recorded. He also acknowledged the support of private sector stakeholders who have demonstrated willingness to partner with the government in addressing the sector’s longstanding challenges.
While recognizing that Nigeria’s electricity challenges have accumulated over several decades and cannot be resolved overnight, the minister assured citizens that meaningful improvements would continue to emerge through sustained reforms and investments.
“I will not promise what I cannot deliver, but I promise visible improvement, and I will continue to communicate honestly with Nigerians every step of the way,” he stated.
Tegbe reiterated that the administration’s ultimate objective remains the delivery of reliable, affordable, and round-the-clock electricity to homes, businesses, and industries across the country. He expressed confidence that under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria’s power sector is on a clear path toward sustainable transformation.
He pledged that the ministry would remain focused on implementation and service delivery, assuring Nigerians that ongoing reforms would translate into measurable improvements in electricity supply nationwide.
