Electricity improvements will continue, Power Minister Joseph Tegbe says, citing reforms, grid upgrades and revived generation assets

Nigeria’s newly inaugurated Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has assured Nigerians that visible electricity improvements will continue to emerge as the Federal Government intensifies reforms across power generation, transmission and distribution.

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Speaking shortly after his swearing-in ceremony at the State House on Monday, Tegbe said the administration had moved quickly following his Senate confirmation by engaging key stakeholders and developing a structured reform strategy focused on execution, accountability and measurable results.

The minister thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to serve with diligence while working towards reliable and affordable electricity for households, businesses and industries.

According to Tegbe, discussions have already been held with major institutions across the power value chain, including the Transmission Company of Nigeria, the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Rural Electrification Agency, the Nigerian Independent System Operator and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company.

He also disclosed that international development organisations and funding partners had expressed willingness to provide liquidity support to the sector, describing the development as a significant endorsement of the government’s reform agenda.

Highlighting early achievements, Tegbe said the Niger Delta Power Holding Company had successfully revived the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State after three years of inactivity.

According to him, up to 375 megawatts from the facility are now available for dispatch to the national grid, a development he described as a major boost to electricity supply nationwide.

The minister further revealed that the Transmission Company of Nigeria had energised new transmission assets in Abuja, Oyo and Ogun states, strengthening grid capacity and improving the reliability of electricity delivery.

He cited the recent restoration of supply following the unexpected failure of a 100MVA transformer in Abuja, noting that coordinated efforts between transmission and distribution teams restored power within 24 hours.

Tegbe also pointed to recent consumer protection measures by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission as evidence of a stronger accountability framework within the sector.

The commission recently approved compensation for eligible Band A customers affected by power supply shortfalls linked to generation constraints between February and March 2026.

According to the minister, the directive demonstrates that operators across the electricity value chain will be held accountable for service delivery while consumers’ interests remain protected.

Tegbe attributed the early signs of progress to renewed commitment among workers and management within the sector, commending officials of the Ministry of Power and its agencies for their professionalism and dedication.

Despite the progress, the minister acknowledged that deep-rooted structural challenges continue to affect the industry, including infrastructure deficits, liquidity constraints, transmission bottlenecks and inadequate generation capacity.

He urged Nigerians to remain patient, stressing that challenges that accumulated over decades could not be resolved within a few months.

Tegbe reiterated his commitment to maintaining transparency throughout the reform process, promising regular communication on achievements and setbacks as the government pursues its long-term objective of delivering stable and affordable electricity.

“The destination is clear: reliable and affordable electricity for every Nigerian home, business and industry, around the clock,” he said.

The minister’s remarks come as the Federal Government accelerates implementation of reforms under the Electricity Act and seeks to attract private investment, expand transmission infrastructure and improve overall market efficiency.

Tegbe recently assumed office following his appointment by President Tinubu after former power minister Bayo Adelabu stepped down to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

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Industry stakeholders will be watching closely to determine whether the early gains cited by the minister can be sustained and translated into meaningful electricity improvements for millions of Nigerians.