Power Sector Reform Gains Momentum as Minister Tegbe Unveils Early Achievements, Pledges Sustained Improvements |Omohglobalnews

The Honourable Minister of Power, Hon. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment, reaffirming his commitment to serving Nigeria with integrity, diligence, and a results-driven approach.

Speaking shortly after his swearing-in ceremony, the Minister disclosed that since the Senate confirmed his appointment, the Ministry has moved swiftly to implement a structured reform agenda for the power sector, anchored on disciplined execution, measurable milestones, and public accountability.

According to him, the Ministry has already held extensive engagements with critical stakeholders across the sector, including the Federal Ministry of Power, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET), and FGN Power Company, among others.

"The response from these institutions has been encouraging. They are aligned with our vision and ready to deliver on their mandates," he stated.

he Minister further revealed that productive discussions have also been held with international development organisations and funding partners, many of whom have expressed readiness to provide liquidity support to the sector, a development he described as a strong vote of confidence in the government's reform agenda.

Highlighting some early successes recorded within the first month of his leadership, Tegbe noted that the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State, which had remained inactive for three years, has been successfully revived by NDPHC, with up to 375 megawatts now available for dispatch to the national grid.

He also disclosed that TCN has energized new transmission infrastructure at Katampe in Abuja, as well as substations in Ayede and Abeokuta, significantly enhancing grid capacity and stability across key regions of the country.

In another demonstration of improved operational responsiveness, the Minister recalled that when a 100MVA transformer unexpectedly failed in Abuja, teams from TCN and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) worked round the clock to restore power supply within 24 hours.

Tegbe also commended NERC for directing electricity distribution companies to compensate Band A customers affected by supply shortfalls earlier in the year, describing the move as a clear indication that consumer protection and operator accountability remain central to the reform process.

The Minister attributed these achievements to the renewed dedication of personnel across the power sector and took the opportunity to commend the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Power and its agencies for their professionalism, commitment, and collaborative spirit.

He  equally praised private-sector partners for their constructive engagement and willingness to work with government in advancing the sector's transformation.

"Under this leadership, productivity, innovation, and excellence will always be recognised and rewarded," he assured.

Addressing Nigerians, Tegbe acknowledged the longstanding challenges confronting the power sector, noting that decades of systemic issues cannot be resolved overnight.

"The challenges that have held this sector below its potential were built over many years and cannot be fully reversed within weeks or months. However, I remain committed to the pledge I made before the Senate: I will not promise what I cannot deliver. What I promise is steady, visible improvement and honest communication every step of the way," he said.

Reaffirming the administration's vision, the Minister stated that the ultimate goal remains the provision of reliable, affordable, and uninterrupted electricity to homes, businesses, and industries across Nigeria.

He emphasized that while the journey may be demanding, the nation is firmly on the right path under President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

"Our destination is clear—reliable and affordable electricity for every Nigerian. We will keep moving, we will keep delivering, and Nigerians will continue to see tangible improvements in the sector," he concluded.