New Power Minister Tegbe Assumes Office, Promises Measurable Improvements in Electricity Supply

Nigeria’s newly appointed Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has officially assumed office, pledging to deliver practical and measurable improvements in electricity supply across the country.

Speaking shortly after his swearing-in on Monday, Tegbe expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and assured Nigerians that his administration would focus on realistic targets and sustainable reforms.

“We will not promise what we cannot deliver. Nigerians will see visible improvements as we continue to work,” the minister said.

Tegbe revealed that the Ministry of Power has already commenced the implementation of a structured reform agenda backed by clear timelines, performance targets and accountability measures.

According to him, discussions have been held with key stakeholders, including power agencies and industry operators, to align priorities and accelerate progress in the sector.

Highlighting recent achievements, the minister disclosed that the Niger Delta Power Holding Company successfully restored the Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State, returning approximately 375 megawatts to the national grid after the facility had remained inactive for three years.

He also noted that the Transmission Company of Nigeria recently commissioned new transmission infrastructure in Katampe, Ayede and Abeokuta, a development expected to improve power transmission capacity and network stability across several regions.

Tegbe commended workers in both the public and private sectors of the electricity industry for their renewed commitment to improving service delivery.

He cited the swift restoration of power in Abuja after the failure of a 100MVA transformer, noting that engineers from the Transmission Company of Nigeria and distribution companies worked overnight to restore electricity within 24 hours.

The minister also praised the efforts of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in protecting consumers, particularly through directives requiring distribution companies to compensate customers affected by service shortfalls.

While acknowledging the longstanding challenges facing the power sector, Tegbe urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive of ongoing reforms.

He noted that decades of infrastructure deficits and systemic issues cannot be resolved overnight but assured citizens that the government remains committed to achieving steady and measurable progress.

“Our goal is clear: reliable and affordable electricity for every home, business and industry. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are moving in the right direction,” he said.

The minister concluded by appreciating staff of the Ministry of Power, its agencies, development partners and industry stakeholders for their support, while calling for continued collaboration to drive the transformation of Nigeria’s electricity sector.