Many Nigerians are still without reliable electricity, Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe has acknowledged, saying the government will not promise a quick fix that cannot be sustained.
Tegbe made the admission while reflecting on his first three months in office in a statement shared on X on Monday.
“Admittedly, many Nigerians are still without reliable power, and I understand the frustration of hearing about progress you haven’t personally felt yet. I’m not going to pretend that away,” the minister said.
He added that fixing the power sector properly would take time.
“Fixing this sector properly takes time, & I will not promise a quick fix that doesn’t hold.”
No Plan To Increase Electricity Tariffs
Tegbe also said there is no plan to increase electricity tariffs, stressing that the position was not politically motivated.
“This is no political statement,” he said.
The minister reiterated his commitment to improving grid stability, electricity supply reliability and billing accuracy, while ensuring faster resolution of customer complaints.
“I will continue to acknowledge what’s working and what is yet to. I restate my commitment to grid stability, supply reliability, billing accuracy, faster resolution of complaints with no shortcuts,” Tegbe said.
375MW Alaoji Plant Restored
Tegbe said the ministry’s first three months had focused on identifying and addressing longstanding problems across the power sector.
He cited the restoration of the 375MW Alaoji power plant, which he said had been offline for three years.
The minister also said transmission capacity had been unlocked in Lagos, Abuja and other locations, while funds had been mobilised to tackle the sector’s longstanding debt burden.
He said more than 350,000 electricity meters had also been deployed.
According to Tegbe, the meter rollout was made possible after legal issues involving the Association of Meter Manufacturers of Nigeria (AMMON) were resolved.
Tegbe Promises Continued Reforms
Tegbe said he assumed office with four key priorities: disciplined execution, grid stability through reform, visible improvement and honest communication.
He acknowledged that many Nigerians were yet to experience significant improvements in electricity supply but said the government would continue working to strengthen the grid, improve reliability and address challenges across the sector.
