By Ayomide Otitoju
The Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has outlined ongoing reforms in the electricity sector, saying early improvements are already emerging following the implementation of a structured reform strategy anchored on execution discipline, clear milestones, and public accountability.
Speaking after his swearing-in by the Minister of Power, Tegbe expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him, pledging commitment to diligent and transparent service delivery.
He said since his confirmation by the Senate, the ministry had engaged key sector stakeholders, including the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Rural Electrification Agency, Nigerian Independent System Operator, Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company, and FGN Power Company, among others.
According to him, development partners and international funding institutions have also indicated readiness to provide liquidity support to the sector, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in ongoing reforms.
Tegbe noted that preliminary results were already visible, citing the revival of the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State, which had been inactive for three years, with up to 375 megawatts now available for dispatch to the national grid.
He also highlighted recent transmission upgrades by TCN, including new infrastructure at Katampe in Abuja and substations in Ayede and Abeokuta, which he said had strengthened grid capacity across several regions.
The minister further referenced the swift restoration of a failed 100MVA transformer in Abuja within 24 hours, as well as a recent directive by NERC mandating electricity distribution companies to compensate Band A customers affected by supply shortfalls.
He commended the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Power and its agencies for what he described as renewed professionalism and collaboration, as well as private sector partners for their cooperation in driving sector reforms.
Tegbe urged Nigerians to exercise patience, noting that the challenges in the power sector had accumulated over decades and would require sustained efforts to resolve.
He, however, assured that the administration remained committed to delivering reliable and affordable electricity nationwide under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that improvements would continue to be visible over time.
