Power Minister Tegbe Assumes Office, Vows Visible Power Gains, Not Empty Promises

Nigeria’s new minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has formally taken office, pledging practical improvements to the country’s electricity supply.

Speaking after his swearing-in on Monday, Tegbe thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment and said he would focus on clear targets and steady progress rather than quick promises.

“We will not promise what we cannot deliver,” he told reporters. “You will see visible improvement as we work.”

Tegbe said his team has already started a structured reform plan with firm deadlines and public accountability.

In the weeks since his confirmation by the Senate, he added, the ministry and state power agencies have held meetings and aligned on immediate priorities.

He pointed to early gains as evidence that the plan is working. The Niger Delta Power Holding Company revived the Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State, bringing about 375 megawatts back to the grid after a three-year shutdown.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria also switched on new transmission assets in Katampe, Ayede and Abeokuta, improving capacity across regions.

Tegbe commended the efforts of public and private sector staff who, he said, have shown renewed commitment.

He highlighted a quick repair in Abuja when a 100MVA transformer failed; Transmission Company and distribution teams fixed the fault overnight and restored supply within 24 hours.

The minister said regulators are protecting consumers too. He noted that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has directed distribution companies to compensate some customers over recent service shortfalls.
Tegbe urged Nigerians to be patient, saying the problems in the power sector built up over decades and will take time to fix.

Still, he promised steady, measurable progress and regular updates to the public.
“Our goal is clear: reliable, affordable electricity for every home, business and industry,” he said. “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are headed in the right direction.”

He closed by thanking ministry staff, agencies and development partners for their support and called for continued cooperation as reforms move forward.