By Peace Udugba
Nigeria’s Ministerial-Designate for Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has pledged to drive transparent and accountable reforms aimed at reviving the country’s troubled power sector.
Speaking during his Senate screening on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Tegbe acknowledged the persistent challenges facing the electricity sector, including repeated national grid collapses and widespread power outages. He stressed that although there is no quick solution to the crisis, there is a disciplined pathway to achieving lasting improvements.
According to him, reforms under his leadership would be anchored on execution discipline, measurable progress, and openness to the Nigerian public.
“We will not do things the way we used to do before. I will not promise what I cannot deliver. We must close the metering gap and ensure Nigerians can track performance through a transparent public dashboard,” he said.
Tegbe stated that the power sector must be properly structured to deliver meaningful results, adding that Nigerians deserve to see visible improvements in electricity supply and service delivery.
“We will come with clear milestones and timelines. We understand the issues. What is needed now is honest engagement and firm execution. We will tell Nigerians the truth. We must reduce system disturbances and strengthen transmission. Tariffs must reflect service, and service must justify tariffs. We must also close the trust gap between operators and citizens,” he added.
The ministerial nominee further disclosed that key reforms, including restoring confidence in the sector, improving gas supply, and accelerating nationwide metering, are expected to begin yielding results within the first year.
He also dismissed reports published by some national media outlets claiming he promised to fix Nigeria’s power problems within 100 days, clarifying that his focus is on implementing sustainable reforms in line with the Renewed Hope agenda.
Tegbe is widely recognised for his previous roles as Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership and Chairman of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee.
With more than three decades of experience at KPMG, Tegbe began his professional career as a civil engineer.
He is an alumnus of Lagos Business School, INSEAD, Harvard Kennedy School, and Harvard Business School.
He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.
His professional experience includes major engagements in Nigeria’s power sector, particularly in regulatory and institutional reforms involving the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company.
