By Hosea Parah
Nigeria’s newly sworn-in Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has pledged to accelerate reforms in the electricity sector while highlighting early gains achieved within weeks of assuming office.
Speaking shortly after his swearing-in ceremony in Abuja on Monday, Tegbe expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and promised to serve Nigerians with integrity, diligence, and accountability.
The minister revealed that following his Senate confirmation, the Ministry of Power developed a structured reform strategy focused on implementation, measurable milestones, and public accountability.
He noted that extensive consultations have been held with major stakeholders across the power value chain, 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 FGN Power Company.
According to Tegbe, international development partners and funding institutions have also renewed their confidence in Nigeria’s power sector and expressed readiness to provide liquidity support to strengthen ongoing reforms.
Highlighting recent achievements, the minister announced the revival of the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State by the NDPHC after three years of inactivity. He said the facility can now deliver up to 375 megawatts to the national grid, boosting electricity generation capacity.
He further disclosed that TCN has energized new transmission infrastructure at Katampe in Abuja, as well as substations in Ayede and Abeokuta, enhancing grid capacity and improving electricity distribution in several parts of the country.
Tegbe also commended the swift restoration of power supply in Abuja following the unexpected failure of a 100MVA transformer. He noted that TCN and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company worked through the night to restore service within 24 hours.
On consumer protection, the minister praised NERC’s directive requiring electricity distribution companies to compensate Band A customers affected by supply shortfalls earlier in the year. He described the action as evidence of government’s commitment to accountability and consumer welfare.
The minister lauded the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Power and its agencies for their professionalism and dedication during the transition period. He also acknowledged the support of private sector partners, assuring them that excellence and productivity would continue to be rewarded.
Addressing Nigerians, Tegbe appealed for patience, noting that the challenges confronting the power sector have accumulated over decades and cannot be resolved overnight.
“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 said.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s long-term vision, Tegbe stated that the ultimate goal remains reliable, affordable, and uninterrupted electricity supply 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 the path to sustained improvement, with ongoing reforms expected to deliver measurable results for citizens nationwide