The newly sworn-in Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has assured Nigerians of improved electricity supply, pledging to tackle the persistent challenges facing the power sector.
Speaking to State House correspondents shortly after taking the oath of office before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, on Monday, Tegbe acknowledged the difficulties confronting the sector but stressed that the administration had made significant investments over the past three years to reposition the industry.
He promised that the impact of the President’s interventions would soon become visible through improved service delivery and commissioning of critical power projects nationwide.
The minister also assured that vulnerable Nigerians would not be left behind in the ongoing reforms, noting that the administration was committed to ensuring that citizens receive the quality electricity service they deserve.
Tegbe disclosed that since his confirmation by the Senate four weeks ago, he had engaged key stakeholders in the industry, including the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Ministry of Power.
According to him, the engagements had secured commitments from critical institutions and sector operators.
While cautioning Nigerians against expecting immediate solutions, the minister reiterated that he was not promising round-the-clock electricity in the short term, but assured citizens that steady and visible progress would continue under his leadership.
Highlighting recent successes, Tegbe cited the restoration of electricity to the Katampe area of Abuja after a feeder station breakdown, noting that TCN engineers repaired the fault and restored supply within 24 hours.
He also pointed to the revival of a Niger Delta Power Holding Company facility that had remained inactive for about three years, describing it as further evidence of the commitment and dedication of workers across the power sector.
“If you see some of the things our people in the sector have accomplished in recent weeks, you will be amazed by their level of commitment and innovation,” the minister said.
Tegbe urged Nigerians to continue supporting President Tinubu’s administration and patience as efforts intensify to overcome the sector’s challenges.
He expressed optimism that ongoing reforms would deliver lasting improvements, assuring Nigerians that the country was on course towards a more reliable and sustainable electricity supply system.
“You are going to see more of that, but I am calling on Nigerians to support President Tinubu and also pray for us. Whatever challenges that this is plagued with, by God’s grace, we will overcome it, and we will get there. Very soon Nigeria will be lit up by God’s grace.” Tegbe added.
PROFILE
The new Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe,was born in Ibadan, Oyo State. He is a renowned fiscal, economic and institutional reform strategist expert with over 35 years of professional experience across the public and private sectors.
He holds a First Class Degree in Civil Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, a Master’s degree in Business Administration (Switzerland) and a Master’s degree in Public Administration (Birmingham).
He worked as a Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG in Africa. He has worked with organisations such as the Nigerian Communications Commission, Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Nigeria Revenue Service, Shell, Huawei, General Electric, MTN, among others.
