Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe has acknowledged that many Nigerians are still without reliable electricity, saying he understands the frustration caused by improvements in the power sector that consumers have yet to experience.
Tegbe made the admission while reflecting on his first three months in office, stressing that the government would not pretend that the country’s electricity challenges had been resolved.
“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,” he said.
According to the minister, fixing Nigeria’s power sector would take time, adding that he would not make promises of a quick solution that would not be sustainable.
Tegbe also reiterated that the Federal Government has no plan to increase electricity tariffs, describing the position as “not a political statement.”
He said his administration would continue to focus on grid stability, reliable electricity supply, accurate billing and faster resolution of complaints.
Tegbe said several measures had been taken since he assumed office, including the restoration of the 375-megawatt Alaoji power plant after about three years offline.
He also said the ministry had unlocked transmission capacity in Lagos, Abuja and other locations, while efforts were underway to address the sector’s longstanding debt burden.
The minister disclosed that more than 350,000 electricity meters had been deployed, following the resolution of legal issues involving the Association of Meter Manufacturers of Nigeria.
Tegbe said his priorities upon assuming office were disciplined execution, grid stability through reform, visible improvement and honest communication.
He assured Nigerians that the government would continue working to improve power supply and address the challenges affecting the electricity sector.
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