By Peace Udugba
The Honourable Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering improved electricity supply in Nigeria, saying his administration is focused on execution-driven reforms, accountability, and measurable progress.
Speaking after his swearing-in ceremony, Tegbe expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to serve with honesty and diligence.
He said that since his confirmation by the Senate, the ministry had begun implementing a structured power sector reform agenda built on clear milestones and performance discipline.
According to him, the Ministry of Power has already engaged key stakeholders across the sector, including the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET), and the FGN Power Company, among others.
He noted that international development partners and funding institutions had also shown readiness to support the sector with liquidity interventions, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in ongoing reforms.
Tegbe disclosed that some early operational improvements were already being recorded. He cited the revival of the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State, which had been inactive for three years, adding that about 375 megawatts are now available for dispatch to the national grid through the Niger Delta Power Holding Company.
He also highlighted transmission upgrades by the Transmission Company of Nigeria, including new infrastructure energised at Katampe in Abuja, as well as substations in Ayede and Abeokuta, which he said have strengthened grid capacity across different regions.
In another development, he said a 100MVA transformer failure in Abuja was resolved within 24 hours through coordinated efforts between TCN and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, restoring power supply swiftly.
He further referenced a recent directive by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission ordering distribution companies to compensate Band A customers affected by supply shortfalls earlier in the year, describing it as evidence of growing accountability in the sector.
The minister commended the management and staff of the Ministry of Power and its agencies for what he described as renewed dedication and professionalism, while also praising private sector partners for their cooperation.
He assured Nigerians that performance would be recognised and rewarded under his leadership.
Acknowledging public concerns over persistent electricity challenges, Tegbe said the problems in the sector were decades in the making and could not be resolved overnight.
He, however, assured that Nigerians would begin to see continuous and visible improvements.
“The destination is clear — reliable and affordable electricity for every Nigerian home, business, and industry,” he said, adding that the administration of President Tinubu remains firmly committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He pledged sustained progress, saying reforms would continue to be implemented until the power sector achieves stable and efficient service delivery.
