Power minister vows steady reforms, says electricity gains emerging

Nigeria's newly appointed Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has pledged to deliver tangible improvements in the nation's electricity sector. He assured Nigerians that visible progress is imminent, stating that the Federal Government has already initiated reforms targeting long-standing issues in power generation, transmission, and distribution.

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Let me begin by thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence he has reposed in me with this appointment, and I reaffirm my commitment to serving Nigeria and her people with honesty and diligence.

Speaking after his inauguration, Tegbe outlined a swift approach since his Senate confirmation. His administration has engaged key stakeholders across the electricity value chain and is developing a structured reform strategy emphasizing execution, accountability, and measurable results. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the appointment and reaffirmed his commitment to providing reliable and affordable electricity with transparency.

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Since the Senate confirmed my appointment, we have hit the ground running. Within this period, we have drawn up a structured power sector reform strategy anchored on execution discipline, clear milestones, and public accountability.

The minister highlighted early signs of progress, including the revival of dormant generation assets, expansion of transmission infrastructure, and strengthened consumer protection measures. He noted that the Niger Delta Power Holding Company had successfully restarted the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State, which had been inactive for three years.

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We have held substantive engagements with all critical sector agencies; the Ministry of Power, Transmission Company of Nigeria, the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Rural Electrification Agency, the Nigerian Independent System Operator, the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company, and FGN Power Company, among other players. They have been very supportive, aligned, and ready to deliver.

Tegbe detailed substantive engagements with critical sector agencies such as the Transmission Company of Nigeria, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, and others, all of whom have shown support and readiness. Productive discussions have also occurred with international development organizations and funding partners, who have expressed willingness to provide liquidity support, signaling confidence in the reform direction.

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We have also held productive discussions with International Development Organizations and funding agencies/ partners; whom have expressed willingness to provide liquidity support to the sector; a significant vote of confidence in the direction of our reforms.