By Ayomide Otitoju
The President of the Association of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Practitioners, AVM (Rtd) Akugbe Iyamu, has commended the Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, for what he described as efforts to improve electricity supply and reform Nigeria’s power sector.
Iyamu, a consultant on climate change and analyst on environmental policies, said Tegbe’s actions since assuming office in May 2026 had begun to demonstrate that improvements in Nigeria’s electricity sector could be achieved through stronger work ethics, competence and commitment.
In a statement titled, “A Possible Light in an Impossible Darkness: The Case of Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, the New Minister of Power,” Iyamu said Nigerians had endured prolonged challenges in the electricity sector, resulting in widespread frustration and declining public confidence.
He argued that the minister’s approach had begun to change perceptions about what could be achieved in the sector, particularly through a focus on service delivery and accountability.
According to Iyamu, the developments under Tegbe also highlight the importance of competence, ethical conduct and commitment in addressing longstanding challenges in the power sector.
He said providing reliable electricity should be treated as a fundamental responsibility of government rather than an achievement that requires prolonged public pressure.
“I have NEVER singled out a government employee for praise, but when you demonstrate that bringing electricity to impossible darkness can be achieved by promoting a work ethic, moral rectitude and quality service, you make a difference,” he said.
Iyamu further linked the minister’s approach to the broader role of competent Nigerians in national development, arguing that sustainable progress would require merit to be prioritised over mediocrity.
He cited Singapore’s development under former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew as an example of how human capital and effective governance could contribute to national transformation.
The environmental advocate also drew a comparison between Nigeria’s electricity challenges and Uruguay’s transition towards renewable energy, citing the role of Ramón Méndez Galain, a physicist and former Energy Secretary, in the South American country’s energy transition.
He said Méndez Galain helped develop a multi-party national plan that significantly increased Uruguay’s reliance on renewable sources for electricity generation.
Iyamu described his statement as an encouragement for Tegbe to sustain ongoing efforts and avoid complacency, noting that the minister’s tenure would be judged by the durability and impact of the reforms undertaken.
He said improvements in electricity supply remained critical to Nigeria’s broader economic development ambitions, particularly efforts to build a stronger and more sustainable economy.
